When I first had the opportunity to share my story I felt very hot and flustered.
I was still emerging from the personal development journey I’d been on. The breakdown, breakthrough and light bulb moments that come.
I knew it could help others, and I knew that it would have to involve sharing stuff I had never done before.
The fear really got in the way. What if I said too much? What if I looked foolish? What if that one person judged me?
And the biggest one.. What if I go red?
Ever since I was little I’ve had the pesky involuntary reaction of blushing. It happened frequently and furiously in my adolescent and young adult years and still catches me off guard.
Can you relate?
We all have a story. Every single one of us humans are roaming the planet.
But not everyone shares it.
Why?
Because fear speaks louder than purpose when we let it. And there are 4 fears I see time and time again when supporting my clients to share their stories:
Fear #1: The Vulnerability Hangover
It’s that emotional crash after you’ve shared something raw, personal, or deeply real. I’ve felt it myself, after standing on the TEDx stage, I questioned everything I said. But the wonderful thing is: courage overrides fear. Vulnerability, as Brené Brown puts it, is the birthplace of connection.
Fear #2: That One Critic
We all have one. A voice we fear will judge, gossip, or disapprove. And somehow, that one voice drowns out the hundreds who need to hear what we have to say. The fact of the matter is, your story isn’t for everyone. It’s for the ones who will be moved, changed, or empowered by it.
Fear #3: “It’s All About Me”
This is a big one. People hold back thinking, “I don’t want to sound self-centered.” But when your story has a purpose and is crafted to help, teach, inspire, then it’s not about you. It’s about the message.
Fear #4: The Pressure to Be Perfect
Once your story’s out there, there’s a pressure to live up to it. But stories evolve. So do people. Your honesty about both the highs and the lows is what makes you relatable and real.
If you’re a leader, coach, or changemaker, your story is one of your most powerful tools. It builds trust, drives engagement, and shows the human behind the mission.
Watch this short video where I break down the 4 fear blockers and share how to overcome them
And if you’re ready to unlock and articulate your story this summer, I’ve a few spaces for my Write Your Origin Story 2-hour intensive.
You can send me an email hello@helenpackham.com if you have questions or book here
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