To ask how to not give a F%*k?

[Notthebloodymustardcushion]

My whole life, I have been held back by fear of what others will think of me and being judged negatively on my efforts. I’m about to embark on a scary new creative project which I hope to grow and profit from long term (won’t describe as possibly outing). But I am held back in my talents and creativity, by the crippling fear of putting myself out there. I’m so stuck and it’s ridiculously frustrating.

I am at a point in my life where all of the old excuses are falling away, my kids are older, I have lots of free time, enough (although not a lot) of money to support my endeavours etc... but the one thing I cannot seem to overcome, is finding my inner “zero fucks” so that I can be brave and just do the bloody thing. Every time I try to sit down to get started, I get the fear, and just can’t crack on.

Mumsnetters, have you overcome this fear? Where do I start? Help!

Penguindream It was freeing to realise people do not think of me often if at all. They are too preoccupied with themselves. I was mercilessly bullied as a teen particularly about my appearance. For years I feared changing my hairstyle, clothes style at work for fear of being laughed at or having the nerve to dress up. Now I could not care less but it has taken decades for me to walk through a door with my head held high wearing an outfit/hair cut that stands out. Colleagues look briefly, some compliment others say nothing - most do not give a shit.

Funnily I have no issue with giving presentations, speaking to an audience.

Go, OP! You can do it!

Your fear is there so that you check what you are doing in stages is the correct thing. It is normal and healthy. It can run away with you and I find trying to just think of the day you're in or the one thing at a time step helps. Nice support from the other people here for you to read when you are struggling. All the best.x