When Fear Holds You Back
Do you ever want something, but don’t go for it out of fear of being embarrassed, judged, or rejected?
It’s okay to say yes—we’ve all been there.
But there’s a kind of freedom that comes with letting go of fear and simply asking for what you want. You may be pleasantly surprised by the results. Far too often, we let fear control our decisions, which leads to missed opportunities for growth, progress, and new experiences.
A Simple Mental Shift
My advice? Just go for it.
I’ve started using a new thought process. Whenever I’m faced with a decision that makes me nervous, I ask myself:
What’s the worst that could happen?
I run through the possibilities and usually realize that, no matter the outcome, I can get through it. Sometimes the outcome might be uncomfortable—but guess what?
Maybe it won’t be.
We build up these stories in our minds, snowballing the situation before it even happens. That’s your brain trying to protect you—but often, it’s just holding you back. Don’t let it. Push through the anxiety and take the leap toward what you really want.
The Freedom in Letting Go
And if the answer is undesirable, or if it’s something you truly don’t want to do?
Practice the art of letting go without regret.
Sometimes you don’t get the response you want, or, sometimes you just can’t bring yourself to act on a situation, and that’s okay too. There’s an incredible freedom in releasing yourself from the pressure of overthinking something that really doesn’t need all that energy.
Obsessing over every detail or small mistake steals your peace.
AND WE OBSESS OVER THE SMALLEST THINGS!
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
I’ve worked in the service industry for most of my life, and I can’t tell you how many sleepless nights I’ve spent wondering if someone was mad at me for forgetting their extra side of ranch. Sometimes the ask we are looking for, is from ourselves. Asking yourself for forgiveness is a game changer. Seriously, if only I had known then what I know now.
These days, I’m practicing the habit of letting the things like this go.
As they say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
We have more power than we realize over how we feel and react. You can shift your perspective, change the narrative, and yes, you can ask for what you want. Stop assuming the worst will happen, because the truth is, you don’t know until you try.
A Little Story About a Comfy Chair
Today, I’m at the car dealership waiting for an oil change. It’s a beautiful day, and I brought my laptop along to get some work done. But if you’re anything like me, sitting in a stale, stuffy waiting room with bad coffee, uncomfortable chairs, and endless car restoration shows isn’t exactly ideal.
So, I took a lap around the front of the building. No benches. I was about ready to sit on the pavement just to be outside.
Then, I paused.
Instead of settling, I decided to go back inside and ask if they had an outdoor waiting area (which, let’s be honest, would be a brilliant idea). They didn’t—but…
Here’s my big BUT coming through!
An employee offered me his office chair and carried it outside for me so I could sit in the sun and work on my laptop.
That’s it. I just asked.
And because of that small act of courage, instead of sitting for two hours on concrete or squirming inside a dreary waiting room, I’ve spent almost 2.5 hours outdoors enjoying the weather—waiting carefree for what was supposed to be a 1.5-hour appointment.
Your Reality Is Yours to Shape
When you’re feeling unsure about asking for what you want, remember this:
You never know what will happen unless you act.
The future isn’t set in stone. It’s shaped by the choices you make—big and small. So why not start shaping it into something that feels good to you?
Be bold. Be curious. Ask for what you want.
You might just get a comfy chair in the sunshine.
Miss Fortune Blog 
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