Feeling Stuck? Understand Your Fear of Dreaming and How to Silence the Negative Thoughts Holding You Back

“The Voice That’s Sabotaging Your Dreams: How to Tame Your Inner Gremlin”

Have you ever felt like someone or something is sabotaging you? If your answer is yes, that “someone” might actually be your own inner voice—the one that’s afraid of dreaming.

This voice whispers:

• “This doesn’t sound like a good idea.”
• “This dream is wonderful, but I don’t have what it takes to fulfill it.”
• “I wish I wasn’t so afraid of public speaking,” even though you know deep down you have the ability to speak publicly.

So, who exactly is that voice, and what does it want?

Understanding the Inner Voice:

This voice is our inner self that prefers to stay in its comfort zone. It’s the part of you that whispers, “Don’t you dare dream,” or “You don’t have what it takes.” It convinces you that dreaming is a luxury you can’t afford.

Let me ask you this:

• How many times have you been asked, “What’s your ultimate goal?”
• Or, “What is your dream?”
• Or even, “How do you envision yourself in the future?”

And how often have you brushed it off with a joke like, “I’m just trying to make it to Friday”?

That’s it: The fear of dreaming. This is your inner voice working overtime to keep you detached from your dreams, urging you to ignore them.

Why Does This Voice Exist?

You might be surprised, but this voice has good intentions. Its purpose is to keep you safe and comfortable. By not dreaming, you:

• Never take any chances
• Don’t chase your hopes
• Avoid risks
• Stay in a familiar, secure place

While this might sound safe, it’s also a path to a dull, unfulfilled life—one where you never reach your true potential.

Taming the Inner Gremlin:

So now you might wonder, “How can I conquer this voice?” It’s tempting to think of it as a monster that needs to be vanquished. But in reality, it’s more like a nagging little gremlin that just wants to protect you. Instead of fighting it, we can learn to understand and soothe it.

Step 1: Recognize It

The first step is to recognize and acknowledge this voice. Whenever you have an idea or a dream, write it down. Listen carefully to the reasons your inner voice gives for why this dream isn’t possible.

Step 2: Interview Your Gremlin

Ask your inner voice:

• “What are you really afraid of?”
• “What’s the worst that could happen if I pursue this dream?”

You’ll find that the fear is rarely about the dream itself. It’s often about the risk of failure, burning out, or standing in the spotlight. By identifying these fears, you take away their power.

Step 3: Make a Promise to Yourself

Now that you understand what your gremlin is trying to protect you from, make a plan that acknowledges these fears. Promise yourself that you’ll take steps to manage them:

• If you’re afraid of burning out, set realistic work hours and take regular breaks.
• If you fear public speaking, practice in smaller, less intimidating settings.

By doing this, you put your gremlin at ease, allowing you to pursue your dreams with confidence and excitement.

Conclusion: Give Yourself Permission to Dream

Your inner voice isn’t the enemy—it’s just a part of you that wants to keep you safe. But you have the power to listen, understand, and then move forward. Dare to dream, and let yourself explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.

Resources:

Facing Fear of dreaming Exercise

Extra Resources:

Ted Talk – “The Power of Believing That You Can Improve” by Carol Dweck.

Psychology Today – Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs