Afraid You've Made A Mistake?
Feb 20, 2025You’ve done it. You took that bold step, made that change, and now, the panic is setting in. What if I made a huge mistake? What if everything unravels? These are the voices in your head, trying to convince you that the risk you took was the wrong one. But I have good news for you: You’re not alone, and what you’re experiencing is completely normal.
In this post, we’re going to explore the very real struggle of post-risk doubt and how you can manage it, so you don’t retreat and undo all the progress you’ve made.
The "Mistake" That Isn’t Really a Mistake
Imagine this: You’ve just moved to a new city, started a new job, or took a bold risk in your personal or professional life. At first, everything feels exciting, but then comes the doubt. I shouldn’t have done this. What if this was a huge mistake?
I see this pattern all the time with my clients. They take bold actions—actions that bring discomfort but also growth. And then, as soon as things start to feel uncomfortable or uncertain, the voice of doubt kicks in. The worst part is, this is where most people stop. They retreat. They quit. They go back to their comfort zone, believing the temporary discomfort means they’ve made a mistake.
“The only real mistake you can make right now is to believe that voice of doubt and retreat.”
This is a trap. That voice of doubt is a survival mechanism—the “safety police” in your head. It’s trying to keep you safe, but it’s also trying to keep you stuck. The moment you listen to it and retreat, you’re giving in to fear instead of moving forward.
Post-Action Doubt: A Normal Part of Growth
After you take bold action, it’s common to experience discomfort. You might be in a new city and feel lonely, or you might invest in something and see a temporary dip in results. This doesn’t mean you made a mistake. It means you’re in the “post-action doubt storm”—a period of uncertainty after stepping outside your comfort zone.
But here’s the key: This is temporary. The doubt and discomfort don’t last forever. Once you ride out the storm, you’ll have gained a new level of confidence, and your situation will likely improve more than you ever imagined.
“The only real mistake is retreating when discomfort arises. The magic happens when you keep moving forward.”
The Power of Commitment and Riding Out the Storm
When you make a bold decision, whether it’s moving to a new city, changing careers, or taking a risk in your relationships, it’s important to have a plan in place. Commit to your decision, and remind yourself why you made that choice in the first place. Write down your goals, your excitement about the change, and why you took this step.
When doubt arises, don’t give in. Instead, remind yourself: This is part of the process. This discomfort is temporary, and I will come out stronger on the other side. Give yourself permission to feel uncomfortable for a short period, but stay committed to your vision.
A Message of Hope: Keep Moving Forward
The truth is, you’re not making a mistake by stepping outside your comfort zone. The only mistake you can make is to stop moving forward. If you keep going, even through the discomfort, you’ll come out on the other side with more confidence, clarity, and success.
Remember: Confidence is built through action. Keep taking bold steps, even when it feels tough. You’ve got this.
Reading blogs and watching videos online is a start...
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