BY: EMMANUEL MUSAU (JOURNALISM & MASS COMMUNICATION STUDENT)

Fear and lack of confidence are primal emotions that can hold us back from taking risks, pursuing our dreams, and living life to the fullest. They are two of the main enemies in our lives that go hand in hand to destroy our dreams completely.

Fear is caused by several factors. Past experiences such as traumatic events and previous failures can create lasting fear, making us believe that we should never try again. This shuts down our efforts to live the life we desire and kills our dreams.

Lack of knowledge, uncertainty, and unfamiliarity with a situation can also lead to fear. To overcome this, always believe in yourself and remain confident, and you will defeat the enemy called fear.

Personal anxieties and stress, including ongoing stress, anxiety, or mental health challenges, can strengthen fear and cause us to avoid trying and remain silent in difficult situations.

Internalized beliefs and thoughts, such as negative self-talk and distorted perceptions, fuel fear in our lives. It is important to speak positively about yourself and always believe in your abilities.

On the other hand, being underconfident refers to a lack of confidence in one’s abilities, judgments, and actions. Signs of underconfidence include doubting your capabilities, feeling uncertain and insecure, and struggling with decision-making.

Being underconfident prevents you from pursuing opportunities. It makes it difficult to express yourself, discourages you from taking risks, and holds you back from reaching your full potential.

In conclusion, fear should never be a barrier to achieving our dreams and living life fully. To fight this enemy, we must face our fears, replace negative thoughts with positive ones, change the way we think and act, educate ourselves, and surround ourselves with encouraging people. Build your confidence by setting achievable goals and celebrating every success, no matter how small. Practice self-compassion by treating yourself with kindness and understanding, and continue developing your skills and knowledge to strengthen your self-assurance.