You may have heard of the acronym for FEAR: False Expectations Appearing Real. Even though it may be a little cheesy, it holds true to its meaning.
Have you ever been fearful of something and conjured up a story in your head about what you think a situation may be like. This is a prime example of false expectations appearing real. We often tell ourselves stories based on how we feel which is usually what we do when we feel fearful.
When we were kids, we were scared of the dark and as a result, believed that there were “monsters under our bed” or something irrational. As adults, we draw assumptions often of what we believe other people believe feel about us because of how we feel, which most of the time is fearful. We have already expected people to think a certain way about us sometimes even before we talk to them.
These false expectations also apply for many physical things as well. I was terrified as a kid to go on roller coasters. I told my mom very clearly that I did not want to go on any and she reacted by trying to get me to overcome my fear, so we went on the biggest roller coaster in six flags. It is a ride called Raging Bull. When we were climbing to the top of the ride in our seats, I was ghostly white. However, after the first drop, I proceeded to enjoy the rest of the ride thoroughly. Now after that event, I am a huge adrenaline and roller coaster junkie. My fears or “False Expectations” were shattered by going after the one thing I was most scared of.
I would challenge you tomorrow to do one thing that you are fearful of. It may become one of your favorite things to do!