“When I wake up in the morning, I feel like any other insecure 24-year-old girl. Then I say, Bitch, you’re Lady Gaga, you get up and walk the walk today.”
I would have never imagined that I’d be dishing advice from Lady Gaga.
But you know what? She’s human just like you and me. And in a recent interview she let down her guard and displayed her softer side. A side of her that still gets scared, worries what others think and wonders if she’s really good enough.
Do you worry about what people think of you?
I do. I think about it all the time.
And as far as I’m concerned, this isn’t going to change anytime soon. No matter how many times people tell me not to worry about what others think, deep down I’m still afraid that I’ll be judged, criticized and called-out.
Is it normal to feel this way?
Yes. It. Is.
In my interviews with successful entrepreneurs, the one consistent theme is that they all experience self-doubt, anxiety and fear in the course of pursuing their dreams.
Lady Gaga often appears to be the epitome of confidence with her assortment of outrageous outfits and amazing live performances in front of sell-out crowds.
But the pop superstar let her insecurities come to the surface during a recent interview an HBO documentary.
The 27 year old Gaga, real name Stefani Germanotta, explains how she felt anxiety on her way to a recent show and the responsibility she feels for her loyal fans.
Gaga says in the interview: ‘I still sometimes feel like a loser kid in high school and I just have to pick myself up and tell myself that I’m a superstar every morning so that I can get through this day and be for my fans what they need for me to be.’
She then bows her head in prayer, asking God for courage before she hits the stage in New York.
‘Please give me strength to be a winner for all of them and not myself… Please help me to be strong and know my own strength. Please help me to be brave, Lord. Dear God, give me courage. Do not let me give in to my own insecurities.’
Seeing Beyond Insecurity
So if we’re all feeling more than a little insecure about measuring up and afraid of being judged, what’s next?
Firstly, I think it’s important for you to understand that the feelings of insecurity, doubt and fear escape no one.
Secondly, the more important question might be: ‘How can you show up more fully in spite of these feelings of insecurity and inadequacy?’
If you change your focus from worrying what others think to asking ‘how can I be the greatest version of myself?’, then the fear becomes secondary to the bigger mission.
Instead of being consumed with self-doubt, try using your insecurity as a driving force to serve a purpose bigger than you.
Most of us wouldn’t hesitate to jump in front of a moving bus to save a child or a loved one. Yet the thought of standing up for our own greatness can seem downright frightful.
As you move forward and face your fears, things will get uncomfortable, that’s a guarantee. Yet each step into courage will bring confidence and a stronger desire to be the best version of yourself.
So here’s my best advice:
- Know that you’re not alone with your feelings of fear, doubt and insecurity. Everyone experiences this to some degree. It’s how we humans were wired to survive in the open savannah millions of years ago. You can blame your ancestors but don’t blame yourself.
- Focus on something outside of yourself. Find a purpose or calling that’s bigger than your fear and just take one small step at a time. Know that you have a difference to make and put your energy into being an artist, a writer, a photographer, a yoga teacher or a business builder.
Despite the insecurities, fears and naysayers, Lady Gaga keeps moving forward and stays focused on what she can control. The final words from her recent interview sum up her mindset about dealing with fear.
‘Right now the only thing that I am concerned with in my life is being an artist … I had to suppress it for so many years in high school because I was made fun of but now I’m completely insulated in my box of insanity and I can do whatever I like.’
Three cheers for Lady Gaga! Now get back to knowing your own strength and making the difference that you’re here to make.
In gratitude,
Michael
P.S. What is the biggest fear you’ve overcome and how did you do it?
