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Could you use a Dumbo feather?
How to approach something that feels scary so it’s easier
by Marjana | Mindset tips | Apr 2021
Today’s post is about a life lesson from the Disney film Dumbo – and how it’s okay to need a Dumbo feather of your own sometimes. I also cover what you can try when you’re feeling scared or overwhelmed about doing something so it’s easier. (Click to watch the video, or scroll down if you’d prefer to read.)
(Click here to watch if you can’t see the video above. Please note: This video’s introduction has my previous coaching focus – this has now changed to helping women create a life which feels fulfilling and aligned to what they want.)
How do you tend to react when you feel scared or unconfident about doing something?
If you haven’t seen the Disney film Dumbo, he’s a baby elephant who has massive ears which allow him to fly. He has a feather which he believes he needs to be able to fly. But the reality is he doesn’t really need it to fly – he can fly just as he is.
In our everyday lives, when we feel scared or unconfident about doing something, we sometimes feel like we should be stronger or we should power through something, even though we’re doing something that feels difficult for us. Can you think of a time you’ve felt that way or done that?
When I feel nervous or worried about doing something, or trying something new, I think about what I can do to make it easier for myself – which kind of acts like a metaphorical Dumbo feather. I also try to show compassion and be kind to myself for needing to take things slowly sometimes and not just being able to do things.
It’s natural to feel fear when you’re outside your comfort zone
It’s totally natural and human to be scared when we’re going to do something new or outside our comfort zone. However, rather than being critical of yourself for being scared or not being able to do something well right away, I invite you to think about how to approach it with more compassion towards yourself – and that fear. I also encourage you to hold space for any fear, especially because when we ignore fear, we often don’t do something at all, or it feels too overwhelming.
When I coach people, I see this a lot, and I help them figure out a balance that works better for this. I think there’s nothing wrong with needing your own Dumbo feather or approaching something in a way that makes you feel safer when you need to. On the contrary, I think sometimes that’s the easier way to do things.
Questions to help next time you feel scared or overwhelmed
Next time you’re scared or feel overwhelmed about doing something, I encourage you to try asking yourself these questions:
- How can I approach this in a way that makes me feel safer?
- What’s one first step I can take towards this now that feels safe?
To sum up
I believe that when something feels scary or hard to do, it’s important to create space for the fear we feel and be kind to ourselves. I think figuring out the pace we need to go at, and what feels safer, can be a better way to approach this. Overall, I believe it’s okay to need our own Dumbo feather sometimes when we first do something – and that we’ll let it go, just like Dumbo did, when we’re ready.
If what I talked about today resonated, I’d love to hear your comments and what your takeaway is!
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Have a look at my other posts for more mindset tips & inspiration:
– Do you know yourself as well as you think you do?
– How to navigate comparing your reactions – or yourself – to others
– How taking the time to recharge and energise makes things feel easier
– How to probe deeper and tap into alternative options when you feel stuck
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