On December 2nd, 2021, I published my “Highschool is overrated” post. During that time, I was just starting a very anticipated year, my senior year of high school. I’ll never forget how lost and out of place I felt as I saw everyone around me know their next big steps in life and easily decide their career paths, except for me. You see, I grew up as the over-achieving first born who excelled at everything. I saw myself as many things, surgeon, researcher, dentist, and so much more. Until I had to decide and settle on something, except it wasn’t me who decided, it was my senior GPA who had the say in this very big decision. It was then clear that I had to work hard and earn an exceptional grade to meet my desired passions.
As the year unfolded, I faced countless moments of uncertainty and setbacks, but I forced myself to not get deterred by such obstacles. With unwavering perseverance, I pressed on. Sure, I was fueled by the vision of me reaching the success I yearned for. However, looking back at it now, I believe the fear of failure loomed larger in my head. That’s what made the mental strain as immense as it was as I grappled with the weight of exceedingly high expectations as well.
And when the moment of triumph finally arrived, when I achieved that 99.3% it was more than just a culmination of hard work—it was a test to the power of perseverance and the rewards of resilience... or so I thought.
Something much stronger headbutted me and pulled me back up countless times. The weight of expectations, both internal and external, loomed over me constantly, suffocating my sense of self-worth and plunging me into a state of depression. Negative self-talk became a constant companion, echoing the fears and insecurities that plagued my mind. I withdrew from friends and family, retreating into a world of isolation, where the only company I forced upon myself was my own crippling self-doubt. Would it be crazy to say that my self-doubt pushed me? I wouldn’t credit all my hard work to my mental enemy, but it did give me an image of what I didn’t want to happen, which terrified me to my core and pushed me to the max. My fear of failure lurked in the back of my mind, threatening to derail my dreams and shatter my aspirations.
When we choose to confront our fears head-on, something remarkable happens. Fear transforms from a hindrance into a catalyst for action, it ignites a fire within oneself that unexpectedly drives them towards their goals. We no longer see obstacles as barriers, but as challenges to be overcome. Each moment of doubt becomes an opportunity to prove ourselves.
By embracing fear as a tool for motivation, we tap into a wellspring of inner strength and resilience. We discover that our greatest achievements often lie on the other side of our fears, waiting to be unlocked by the courage to confront them. And in doing so, we realize that fear is not our enemy, but rather a powerful ally on the journey towards our goals.
While the desire for achievement may inspire people to push their limits and strive for greatness, the fear of failure ensures that they remain cautious, avoiding risky detours that could jeopardize their success. My last year of high school proved just that. It was the very first time I've ever felt so challenged by my own fears.
In my case, my fear of failure alone was enough to spur me into action. Generally, people may not actively seek to test their limits or pursue ambitious goals, but they are acutely aware of the conditions that could lead to failure which forces their minds with determination to avoid them at all costs. This mindset encourages a more conservative approach to decision-making, prioritizing stability and security over potential gains.
By confronting hardship, with courage and determination, we position ourselves for victory. So, instead of fixating on the distant allure of the prize in your hands, confront the specter of failure head-on. Face it, run from it, and conquer it—and before you know it, you'll find yourself standing tall on the winner's podium, basking in the glory of your hard-earned success.
Yasmeen Masoud
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