Overcoming Fear of Judgment to Build Your Personal Brand
Ever notice those people who seem unshakeable, walking into a room with confidence to spare, completely unbothered by what anyone thinks of them? You might think they were born that way, equipped with an innate ability to be themselves, no matter who's watching. I've met my share of these types, and while some have carried this trait from the cradle, others have developed it over time. For those that had to develop over time, maybe at one point, people's opinions bothered them. However, they knew the best way to achieve their goals was by ignoring the little voice that flooded their mind with negative thoughts and the fear of failure.
As a career coach, I had many conversations with my clients, and I realized that many people are not fully committed to sharing their knowledge because of fear of judgment. Recently, I've had to talk myself through personal challenges that tried to stop me from moving forward with my business goals. Having a "come to Jesus moment" to prevent myself from experiencing another year of delay. It's important to recognize the big picture and why you want to build your personal brand in the first place to help you put things into perspective and the worries of people's judgment out of your head to accomplish your purpose.
Getting Over People's Opinions
An interesting point was made in a LinkedIn article I came across, stating that this fear often leads us to silence ourselves. The root of this fear? A deep-seated worry about acceptance and fitting in traces back to our childhood need for love and inclusion (Stephenson, 2023). If you grew up in a family where you never felt accepted or there was an absent parent, it could be what's driving the desire to be accepted by others and overly caring about their opinions.
I believe people deal with this on different levels, and it shows up differently in different people. We all know that not one statement applies to every situation; however, just in observing our journey from childhood to adulthood, we see how this fear of opinions has played a role in our daily lives.
Many times, you could be subconsciously opting out to make a post or move forward in your professional endeavors because you're afraid of what people think. You know God has more for you to do in life, but you don't go all in because of your inner critic and other people.
That's what fear of judgment does.
In simple terms, fear of judgement is the anxiety that bubbles up over how others perceive us. It's the dread that they'll disapprove of our actions, words, or behavior, pushing us into a corner where we're too nervous to be our true selves. This fear can be so powerful that it forces us to alter our natural behavior, all in an effort to be liked or accepted by everyone.
This becomes a significant barrier when you're looking to grow a business or advance in your career. The fear of judgment can freeze you in your tracks, preventing any forward motion.
How Does It Hold You Back?
Consider the process of building a personal brand. It's essentially about voicing your expertise, whether online, in the workplace, or during presentations, and establishing yourself as a thought leader. Fear of judgment can stifle your voice before you even begin, clouding your mind with negative thoughts and worst-case scenarios that deter you from presenting your authentic self.
From personal experience, I've seen how childhood experiences and ingrained negative thinking patterns can persuade us to shy away from putting ourselves out there. Instead of anticipating a positive response, we brace for rejection and criticism, effectively silencing ourselves. Due to negative encounters, you've probably spent much time thinking about what could go wrong instead of what could go right.
It's a good thing we have Christ to guide us on our journey.
Embracing the Reality
The truth is, you're not going to be everyone's cup of tea, and that's perfectly fine. Not everyone will agree with you 100% of the time. Your message, brand, and expertise are not meant for everyone. The quest for universal approval is draining and unachievable. Think about it: when have you ever agreed with everything someone else said? So, you can't expect everyone to agree with you.
For those of us who are believers, rejection is part of the journey. It happened to Christ, and it will happen to us. What's essential is to find healing and recognize that the acceptance and love we seek must come from God. Our task is to step out into the world, solve problems, and serve those who need our expertise. There are people out there waiting for what you have to offer, stuck without your guidance, knowledge, or solutions.
One of the scriptures that came to mind as I wrote this was Galatians 1:10: For am I now trying to persuade people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ (CSB, Evans Study Bible, 2019). When it comes to doing what God called you to do, it's essential to recognize that you are doing it for His glory. When you compare the life of Saul and David, there are stark differences in their journey and approach to God's calling. Although David faced many challenges, he was obedient to God. Saul, on the other hand, made excuses for his disobedience.
The Bottom Line
Being afraid of what others might think of you can be challenging to deal with, but it's something you can overcome. It stems from seeking acceptance and avoiding negative evaluation. However, overcoming it is key to personal growth, stepping outside your comfort zone, and truly making an impact. Remember, you have a unique problem-solving ability that the world needs. Don't let the fear of others' opinions keep you from reaching your full potential and sharing your gifts.
How to Overcome Fear of Judgment and Build Your Personal Brand
In building a personal brand, especially when branching out into your business, the fear of judgment can feel like a heavyweight. This fear isn't just about dreading negative opinions; it's a complex web of worrying about others' expectations, fearing negative evaluation, and battling our own negative thoughts. Yet, navigating through this is crucial to fully walk into your potential.
Here are some straightforward tips for tackling these fears head-on and stepping out of your comfort zone.
- Acknowledge Your Fears: Recognize that fear of judgment is a normal part of the human experience. By understanding your own thoughts and acknowledging your fears, you begin to diminish their power over you. Take any fears to God and ask the Holy Spirit to help you overcome the fear of what others think.
- Focus on Positive Outcomes: Instead of fixating on the potential for negative judgments, shift your focus to the positive outcome. Remember, every piece of content you share is an opportunity for a positive experience, to connect with like-minded individuals, educate them on your value, help others, and grow your brand.
- Challenge Negative Thinking Patterns: Our own thoughts can be our worst enemy. Challenge these negative thinking patterns by questioning their validity. Ask yourself, "Is this thought based on fact or fear?" Often, you'll find that your fears are not as grounded in reality as you might think. Also, the more you spend time with God, the more you'll understand His nature and thoughts towards you. If thoughts don't align with what you know to be true about Him and His word, it should no longer have a place in your mind.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that not everyone will agree with or appreciate what you have to say. And that's okay. Your brand is not for everyone but for those who resonate with your message.
- Embrace Personal Challenges as Growth Opportunities: Every time you face a stressful situation or fear of negative evaluation, view it as a chance to grow. These moments push you beyond your current boundaries and contribute to significant personal growth.
- Stay True to Yourself: In the end, the most authentic brands are those that stay true to the person behind them. Your unique perspective and voice are what will attract your true audience.
Building a personal brand amidst the fear of judgment is no small feat. It requires a conscious effort to overcome deeply ingrained fears and to push beyond the expectations of others. Yet, by focusing on personal growth, challenging your own negative thoughts, and embracing the positive experiences that come from sharing your true self, you can build a brand that not only reaches its full potential but also reflects the genuine you. Remember, the journey to overcoming the fear of judgment is a personal challenge, but it's one well worth undertaking.
By: Taniya Clayton | Personal Branding Consultant
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References
Evans, T. (2019). The Tony Evans Study Bible. Holman Bible Publishers.
Stephenson, M. (2023, March 22). 5 key tips to overcome the fear of judgment. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-key-tips-overcome-fear-judgment-marie-stephenson