I have some WONDERFUL news. I got a 95 on my Anatomy Test! Saying that I’m thrilled is an understatement. The average was an 81 (which is pretty good) so I feel even better about how I did. I hope my Physiology test has the same results. But, if not, I won’t beat myself up over it. I did the best I could and learned a lesson. Start studying earlier. Simple.
I need to quit doubting myself. Maybe I AM superwoman. Full time work plus 8 hours of school is no slouch. And ya know what, I am succeeding. Going back to school has been such an eye-opener for me. I was scared to death to take Chemistry last semester.
Chemistry was always my one huge road black to following my dreams–the medical field. I had a VERY hard time with Chemistry in high school and I was afraid to fail. So, I never tried. I got my BA in Communication because it was EASY. It was a major that I didn’t have to challenge myself in. I didn’t have to go out on a limb and do something I was afraid of.
Not anymore. I took Chemistry. It was scary at first. I even had a panic attack in my 2nd lab because I felt so overwhelmed. At the first moment of confusion, I panicked and tried to convince that I wasn’t smart enough to make it through Chemistry.
But, you know what. I did it. I got an A. I learned that I am capable of anything.
This semester is teaching me that I am capable of more than I think. I CAN juggle school and work and still maintain a nice balance in my life. I CAN.
I wish I would’ve known this about myself much earlier in life. But, I guess that’s what life is for. For us to learn.
Not only can I rock at school, I can also make a mean healthy dinner when I’m short on time. Priorities, right?
Oh, and I finally managed to work out this morning (I didn’t work out AT ALL last week besides walking) because I was so swamped with my two tests and work. And ya know what, I felt ok about it. I didn’t gain weight. I made a choice that week and I wasn’t going to stress myself out with working out.
But, I got myself up this morning for a nice workout. It was TOUGH. Especially since I gave my cardiovascular system a break.
I REALLY CAN DO IT ALL!
It requires hard work, patience and a little want-to. I’m glad I’m learning this lesson.
What’s something you’ve done lately that forced you out of your comfort zone? Did you learn anything from it?
Has fear of failure ever held you back?
{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
To be honest, it took me a lot of courage to start my blog. I didn’t know if anyone would read it or like it. I didn’t know if I would like it! I was scared to tell my friends and family, but now I tell them and I”m proud!
Lisa you are doing so well juggling everything and I love your positive attitude!
I can relate. A lot of family know about my blog, btu not a lot of friends. Esp old friends. I’m not sure why I’m scared to tell them.
Living with 5 other girls has forced me out of my comfort zone. My comfort zone was not going out or drinking much etc, because I was scared of calories. Not anymore. I am going to go out with my girlfriends and have a good time!!
GOOD FOR YOU. College is the time for fun and memories! live it up!
Thanks for your comment! Athletes of ALL kinds are so inspiring… I can’t even describe it!
Moving to Vancouver to take that job was definitely moving out of my comfort zone (I had been living in Calgary for 6 years prior). I was nervous about everything – a new apartment, new transit system, new co-workers, you name it – and my cost-of-living absolutely sky-rocketed. But I’m so glad I did it!
someday I really hope to move. Getting yourself out of your comfort zone like that was probably very exhilirating!
It was… but I was also glad to leave that city after the Games, haha. I think if you’re gonna move you gotta do it knowing that it might be great – or – it might not be a good fit. Better to move twice than be left wondering, right?
I was pretty fearful before starting my Masters. I got stuck in the comparison trap and didn’t think I was “smart” enough. But now that classes have started and I’ve been volunteering my thoughts on issues, I’m really starting to shine. It’s a great feeling!
I know that feeling too well. It feels to prove to yourself that you deserve and are smart enough to be there!
Congrats on the anatomy mark! I knew you’d knock it out of the park.
I’m sure your physiology exam went well, too.
I just went to my first spin class Monday morning. It was a little scary, because I’d never been to spin before and was afraid to look like an idiot. It was GREAT, and I discovered/was reminded that the fear of looking like a fool in front of other will keep you working hard, which means a kick-a** workout.
Also, I went back to school at the age of 30 to pursue a career as a dentist. It was scary, because I knew I had to get high marks to get into dental school, and I just didn’t know if I could pull it off, what with having a toddler and a baby in the house. But I did it, and I learned that I can be really focused when I need to be.
Fear holds me back quite frequently, but I try to live by the idea that I’ll only regret those things that I didn’t do. If I’m really scared to do something, I try hard to push through the fear and do it.
YOU INSPIRE ME. I honestly don’t know how you do it with kids and everything else. Way to keep it going.
I think sometimes the things we are most scared of end up giving us the most reward.
By the way, I forgot to mention in my last comment: YOU ROCK. I am so proud of you, knew you could do it. I am glad you are realizing that you ARE superwomen, because we all already knew that about you!
Thank you so much
Congrats on juggling everything in your life! I am so impressed by those who manage a crazy hectic life and still eat well
Way to go on the test, that’s awesome!
congratulations!! anatomy? did you also have to do cadavers?!!
i love chemistry, but not biology! chemistry, physics, calculus, and literature were my fave courses in college!
its funny you asked that because it happened to me today! i didnt do anything that was out of my comfort zone. the opportunity was present it to me today (and a few times before too) and i didnt grab it. i was so shy and nervous. i need to change it because being shy and nervous is not going to get me anywhere.
i just hope that this opportunity will come to me again so i can grab it!
I ran a half marathon on Sunday which was something I used to be so scared to even think about! Being overweight caused me to have so much self doubt to even try new things because I never thought I would look like a runner, much less be one. BUT, I did it and I now know, with proper training, I can really do anything.
great job!
I chose a major that was easy for me too. I recently left my job for a new one that is COMPLETELY different, but I like it a lot more.
Congrats on your test!
Yes you can!!!!!
Whohooo. Great job. I never had a doubt:)
Great job on the test! That is awesome!
You seem to be finding a great balance with things and prioritizing well, even if it means sacrificing workouts. I’ve been doing the same.
Congrats on your test! That is the best feeling when you know you have studied so incredibly hard and it paid off! I was nervous to start a blog. I still am a little nervous with my blog. Sometimes I’m afraid to talk about personal aspects of my life but I need to realize that I am writing for me and anyone who wants to read. So I should not be afraid to write personal things about myself. I conquered that fear the other day and it felt good.
Yay congrats on your test! Awesome job!
Congrats girl!!
Grrreat job on your test! That is awesome, Smarty Pants:)
Starting Body-for-Life and then deciding to enter a bikini competition is MOST DEFINITELY forcing me out of my comfort zone. I’ve never done anything like this in my whole life and usually am the one that doesn’t want to be in the spotlight. However, my fear of failure is growing smaller and smaller each day as I push through it and it’s carrying over into all areas of my life. Now that I feel more confident with how my body looks and feels, it’s making me more social and want to do and try more things. For most of my life I’ve felt I was doing it “half-asleep” or taking the easy road and for once I’m doing something that, to me, is REALLY tough. And, after this, I’m just going to keep on setting goals and achieving them. Cuz that’s how I (now) roll!;)
CONGRATULATIONS, GIRL! That’s just awesome! You are right; you really are capable of anything when you put your mind to it!
Woo hoo!!! You rock woman! I never doubt that you can do so much. You really have a lot going for you.
Congrats lady!! That’s AWESOME! It bet it feels good know that you have a handle on everything that’s going on in your life…even though it might now always feel like it!
I am guilty of not doing some things because I’m not completely comfortable…but I also feel like you need to be a little uncomfortable to grow! Thanks for the reminder to break out of my comfort zone…
I hope you’re having a great day!
Rock on girl!
I don’t know if I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone per se. I do know I’m taking a lot on with being a wedding planner, working full time, taking on added responsbilities at work, and also being the caretaker at home…eeek!
Yay! I knew it would go well! You ROCK!
Congratulations on the awesome test score! You definitely worked your but off.
I haven’t done anything to step out of my comfort zone, I guess I need to change that. Fear of failure holds me back from a lot of things, I skip activities, pass up on recipes, don’t speak up ( NEVER speak up), and am still working in the same job even though I’m not entirely happy. I’m afraid if I apply to schools I won’t get in and will be an utter failure. On the plus side, I’ve finally come to the conclusion that I can’t stay in this career any longer and have starting working on applications at different universities. My goal is to apply to a masters program for teaching and I’ve already started looking into letters of recommendation, so maybe I’m doing more than I realized?
One last time, big congrats to you! Not just on the test, but on everything, I feel like you’ve accomplished so much in the past few months (and that’s only through what I read on the blog).
You are AMAZING, Lisa! I wish I had perservered more like you. I, too, gave up on a career in health because of science classes. I think that is so awesome that you are facing that fear of yours, and TOTALLY kicking ass in the mean time. You CAN do anything!
And congrats on your Anatomy test, smart girl!
Fear of failure is my worst enemy, unfortunately. I wish I knew when I knew now when I first went to college. Now I feel like it’s too late and I’ll never be able to redeem myself. That is a truly scary feeling because I am not too happy with what I am doing now. The economy only makes it worse when you are trying your best to stand out from the rest. You start to wonder where you stand in this world.
With that said, congrats on your Chemistry test! That was my worst class as well in college. I wish I could say I got an A. Try a C.
And I want to become a dietitian! Thats never going to happen as long as Chemistry hates me!
Congrats on doing so well! Keep it up, you’re doing fantastic! I think the single hardest thing I’ve had to do was go back to work in labor and delivery after I came very close to dying due to complications with my pregnancy. every delivery i was in reminded me of what happened to me, and also of what i didn’t get to experience (actually remembering my delivery, getting to hold my baby sooner than 10 days after her birth, NOT having to be on a ventilator for 8 days, etc.). The first couple days back were extremely difficult, and i remember saying multiple times “i just can’t do this. its too hard.” but with God’s help, the support of my co-workers, and husband, I got through it.
I think joining the Peace Corps was a HUGE step out of my comfort zone because I’m not a naturally outgoing person and I was TERRIFIED of being stuck in a small town not knowing a soul and not being able to speak Spanish. I survived and loved every minute of it and married a boy from my town and can speak Spanish just fine now.
However, I am now also heading back to school to fulfill my dream of becoming a nurse and I agree, IT’S TERRIFYING. I’m only taking nutrition and it’s online and I feel SOOOOO overwhelmed. I hope I have as much confidence as you and I can get a good grade on my first exam. I haven’t had an exam in YEARS!
I think you are awesome for going for you dreams. My favorite quote has always been:
“Don’t let fear stand in the way of your dreams.”
and when I’m making a serious decision in my life I always ask myself if fear is holding me back. When I was deciding what grad school to go to, I realized I had picked a school in DC because it was close to my friends and family. When I asked myself where I would go if I wasn’t afraid, I picked Emory in Atlanta. So, against my weak self, I chose Emory and moved south – and it was GREAT.
So, congrats on conquering your fears and not being afraid to take chances!!
P.S. I don’t think it would have been a big deal if you had gained a pound or two during that week anyway – you’d still be amazing and I congratulate you for putting you ahead of your weight – you are worth so much more than the scale!
You ARE superwoman and you CAN do it all. Never forget it
I am so proud of you and all you are accomplishing….and all of the introspection as of late; I LOOOOOVEEEE IT!!
I have never let fear of failure hold me back unless I fear the failure will sour my reputation in my career. Specifically, I won’t go on auditions if I’m feeling sub-par and that view of me could affect me getting called in for another job in the future.
Congratulations on acing that test. You go, Lisa!
To be quite honest, I know fear has held me back, but I don’t remember those times right now. I remember the times I hurdled over fear and did something difficult. I don’t mean that in a preachy way; it’s the truth. And I’m proud of those times.
Congrats on your test! I love the title of your post – its so true!
GOOD FOR YOU! on ALL OF IT. and i am stealing that hills workout. fun!
CONGRATULATIONS smartie!!!!! All that worrying for nothing
Told ya anatomy is awesome! 
XOXOX,
Laur
I can really relate to this, because I started to get my degree in communication because it was easy. Which turned into boring. as. ever. The reason I didn’t want to do anything medical are those exact reasons, I’d fail and I wasn’t smart enough. But guess what, now I am and I am kicking butt.
Geez, why do we do that to ourselves?
SO glad to hear that you are proving yourself wrong and doing so well! And girl, you are WAY ahead of the pack working full time AND full time school? I’m barely keeping my sanity only going to school full time! Pat yourself on the back!
Congrats! Walking is my main form of exercise always btw
I love it.
I was just having an email conversation with a friend yesterday about failure, and how fear of failure is underneath a LOT of our anxiety. We may not even realize that deep down what’s going on is that we are scared of something…happening or not happening. I truly was scared to try running again- especially with telling my blogger peeps about it, because I feared that I would not be able to do it and then feel WORSE about myself and embarrassed in front of my peeps…..the opposite is true. I’m doing it, and the success I’m having is making me feel AWESOME!!
Keep up the good work, girl. You and studying all that stuff, wow, just reading it makes me sleepy!!
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