Taking a big step in life is always scary, especially if there is no guarantee that things will end up the way you want them to be. Whether you are going to college, getting married, or changing careers, there are some things that you have to learn to let go of if you want to move ahead.

#1 Fear of Failure

One thing that holds people back from doing what they want or have to do in their lives is their fear of failure. While it is true that we have to listen to what our brain is saying, it is equally important that we take into consideration what our heart is saying, too. Your mind is what’s telling you not to do something because of the possibility that you might fail. But what if your heart is saying otherwise? Well, if you do it and end up failing, then so be it! What’s important is that you tried and you did not let fear get in the way.

#2 Procrastination

It is a huge mistake to just wait for the right moment to start on something. If you are truly passionate about something, the perfect time to start pursuing it is always NOW. If, for instance, you want to lose weight, why would you wait for next month to enroll in a fitness gym if you could start your weight loss regime now?

#3 Comfort

In most cases, our comfort zone becomes the trap that hinders us from reaching our full potential. Many people are very scared to change jobs because they don’t think it is worth risking the job they are comfortable with, even if it’s not what they are passionate about. What they don’t realize is that it is outside their comfort zone that life really begins. You will never get to know what you can do unless you push yourself to the limit and do things you are not comfortable with.

#4 Shame

For many, starting over and going back to the lowest is just ego-crushing. They see change as an indication of failure and disappointment with their current situation. If you keep thinking about what others think, you will never discover what could make you really happy.

#5 Doubt

It’s just natural to have doubts in your mind if you are doing something you have never done in the past. You may doubt your own skills, other people’s judgment, and so on. But what if you are all wrong? If you allow your doubts to stop you from pursuing something, how would you know if you were right or wrong? Yes it is important that you be a critical thinker especially when you’re making a decision, but giving in to your doubts will automatically put you down.

#6 Trying to please other people

If you are to do something really valuable for yourself, then you have to make yourself your top priority. There is no way you can please everyone, and you have to accept that. If you want to make a positive change in your life, then you have to be selfish at times.

#7 Fear of criticism

There are people who will support and motivate you, and there are those who will criticize you for your decision. If you keep worrying about what they say, you will never move ahead. Let the criticisms be a motivator for you to show them your choice is right because it is what makes you happy. Besides, they are not the ones making the career planning for you, so why should you waste time minding their opinions?

Author's Bio: 

Cecile Peterkin is a certified career and retirement coach, and a registered member of the Career Professionals of Canada and the International Coach Federation. She is also the Founder and Senior Career Strategist at Cosmic Coaching Centre, provider of career and life management services for middle managers and mid-career professionals across Canada, United States and Europe.