On July 19, 2024, I posted my first content video on Instagram, sharing my personal story. Almost immediately, I felt a wave of anxiety. I worried about how people would react, and it reminded me of my first pitch in the classroom back in February. The same questions haunted me:
What are people going to say?
How do I look?
What if people don’t like it?
What if people hate it?
That pitch was a disaster. I stood in front of the class and forgot everything I wanted to say. It was embarrassing. A few weeks later, I listened to a podcast about handling anxiety, and it introduced me to three questions that have since become invaluable whenever I try something new or step out of my comfort zone.
The Three Questions
What is the most difficult judgment you are afraid of?
Often, we fear judgments that we haven't even received yet because we predict negative outcomes if we take certain steps. By identifying the specific judgment we're afraid of, we can better understand and confront our fears.
Who would you be if you didn’t worry about what people think about you?
This question helps you envision your true self, free from the constraints of others' opinions. Who would you allow yourself to be? What talents and habits are you holding back? Imagining this can be liberating and inspire you to embrace your authentic self.
What would you do if you didn’t worry about what people think of you?
Consider the actions you would take and the changes you would make in your life if you weren't concerned about others' perceptions. This can help you identify areas where you're limiting yourself and motivate you to pursue your true desires and goals.
These questions have become my guiding principles. Whenever I'm worried about something, I remind myself: if it makes me anxious about others' perceptions, then it's worth doing. By challenging myself to confront these fears, I continue to grow and push beyond my comfort zone.
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