Fear is something we all carry, though it shows up differently for each of us. It can keep us safe, but it can also hold us back from opportunities, relationships, and growth. We asked some brilliant members of the community to share the one fear that has shaped their choices the most—and their answers reveal just how universal, yet deeply personal, our struggles with fear really are.
Milo Mclaren
Imposter syndrome has held me back more than ever, which brought about the fear of being myself. Growing up and being conditioned to be a people pleaser, and trauma making me anxiously attached has had a big impact on my life. No showing up authenticity me has done me a disservice. Healing that changed everything. Read more>>
Timothy Blake
I’m not afraid of anything, next question. Haha kidding of course; now this is probably going to sound a little embarrassing, because I honestly felt pretty embarrassed when I made the realization myself. I have a deep rooted fear of being successful, crazy right!? I never saw myself as the ‘star’. I was always more than willing to help others shine but myself, no way. Read more>>
Rachel LaForce
The fear is being caught trying. If I knew I might not be the best – I wouldn’t try. I wouldn’t go for it. Now, this was sneaky – as most self-sabotage is. I was never consciously like – ‘yeah, avoid that one loser’. Read more>>
Pedro Vera
Man, as an actor or really as a creative in general, not being good enough. I’ve stood in front of crowds and on cameras all my life. My performance skills and chops have been sharpened by amazing Acting teachers and directors like Carrie Schrader and Jim Hammond of Gainesville Theatre Alliance. Read more>>
Noelle Richards
Feeling like I was unable to fully connect with others or being supported by those closest to me. After I started being more intentional about my healing last year, I realized that being labeled weird did have negative effect on my self-esteem for a long time. Read more>>
Vernice Gaston
The fear that has held me back the most in my life is the fear of not being enough. Not being smart enough, talented enough, lovable enough, or worthy of what others want. That shapes so many of my choices: staying quiet instead of speaking up, holding back dreams instead of pursuing them, or settling for less instead of risking rejection or failure. Read more>>
Josephine Weethee
The fear that has held me back the most in life is the fear of failing. I’ve always set high goals for myself, and sometimes that fear made me second-guess my abilities or hesitate to take risks. But over time, I’ve learned that failure isn’t the opposite of success, it’s often part of the process that gets you there. Read more>>
Tracey Copeland
Fear tried to hold me back when I opened my salon suite while still working for someone else. I cared deeply for my clients, and that commitment led to me being let go from that position. At first, it was scary—but instead of letting it break me, it pushed me to step fully into my own vision. Read more>>
Dominique Arnel DaCOsta
The fear of being seen has held me back the most and I am just now getting used to stepping into the light. I realized how many people I can help just by sharing my story or my perspective, I realize how many people follow my lead when doing positive things. Read more>>
Breana Morrison
There have definitely been times where I’ve held myself back. With so many incredibly talented creatives in the world, I used to wonder, Why would anyone look at me? Why would anyone want to see my work or hire me? I struggled with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, and in a way, I put myself in last place before even giving myself a fair shot. Read more>>
