Big dreams don't mean much when anxiety holds you back from doing what you truly want. Here are four times anxiety stopped me in my tracks. And this doesn't mean four individual times. This means four situations that repeat themselves again and again and again...
1. Approaching people who could change my life.
The other day I had the opportunity to start a conversation with a radio DJ and ask what I could do to accompany him at meet-and-greets at concerts. This DJ met Eric Church at the very concert I went to last summer. Jealous? I am. So when I ran into this DJ, I'd mentally prepared an entire conversation where I blatantly ask him how I can join him. But my chance waltzed right past me. I chickened out and didn't strike up a conversation. It could have been an open door to many chances to attend the best concerts with the radio station and meet dozens of my favorite bands. But anxiety got the best of me.
2. Having ambition to move ahead at work.
Even after two years, I'm still pretty new to the construction industry. There will always be a lot to learn. But let's face it, I could have learned a lot more by now if I'd had the balls to ask the right questions. I'd probably be a better operator by now. But my anxiety tells me to keep my mouth shut and don't ask questions about what else I can do. I might be thought of as an idiot for not already knowing.
3. Feeling confident and comfortable in life.
I'm constantly worrying that I'm not doing enough as a person. I could spend more time cleaning the house and taking care of the yard. I could spend more time as a freelance editor. I could spend more time searching for a house. I could spend more time exercising (well, let's be honest, I could be spending any amount of time exercising...). I could make more effort to eat healthy. I could take more time to spend with friends. But in reality, I'm probably doing just fine in all these areas. I'd never sleep if I spent all hours of the day and night working that much. But my anxiety always says I'm not enough.
4. Having the social life I dream of.
Not going to lie, I wish I went out to bars every once in a blue moon. Not to get crazy, just to see friends and make a few ridiculous memories. Because a great story never started with a salad. Right? Anxiety (and introversion) keeps me home every night instead of sacrificing a couple hours of sleep for a concert, bar hoping, or just going to friend's houses. I always say I want to have stories to tell when I'm old but I'm not really going down the right path lately.
