Ok, so the title says that fear disguises itself. How exactly does it? Read on and see.
You know them. You’ve heard them.
They whisper in the quiet moments. Lurking just behind your boldest ideas and most outrageous dreams, they wait – ready with a word of caution, a raised eyebrow, a subtle shake of the head. They sound like concern. They feel like logic. They come dressed as reason, responsibility, maturity.
But they’re not.
They’re The Protectors.
Not the noble kind. Not the ones who guard your life from danger or hold your hand through grief. These are the sneaky protectors – the ones who sound like guardians but function like limits.
They’ll keep you from climbing too high. From running too fast. From speaking too loud. From dreaming too big.
Because, according to them, they’re “just trying to keep you safe.”
The Caution Disguised as Care
These inner protectors mean well—or at least, that’s how they justify their presence.
They tell you:
“Maybe wait until you’re more qualified.”
“You don’t want to embarrass yourself.”
“What if people laugh?”
“It’s not the right time yet.”
At first, it feels like wisdom. It feels like planning, preparation, or patience.
But if you listen closely, there’s another tone under the surface.
Fear.
And not the kind that keeps you from walking into traffic. The kind that keeps you from walking into your life.
Where They Come From
Your inner protectors weren’t born in a vacuum. They were built.
Maybe by a teacher who said “you’re not a natural.”
Maybe by a parent who meant well but led with fear.
Maybe by peers who teased you out of your spark.
Maybe by the world that rewards smallness and punishes risk.
Over time, your brain starts to equate discomfort with danger. Uncertainty with stupidity. Vulnerability with weakness.
So it builds protectors.
But the longer they stay in charge, the more they convince you that shrinking is smart. That playing it safe is the goal. That you should be content with not trying.
The Real Danger
Here’s what those protectors never tell you:
They’re not actually protecting you from failure. They’re protecting you from growth.
Because to grow is to risk.
To dream is to defy what’s already known.
To dare is to walk into unknown territory with shaky knees and an open heart.
The protectors don’t want that.
They want you:
- Comfortable
- Predictable
- Quiet
- Safe from shame
But that’s not safety. That’s suffocation.
Recognising Their Voice
The protectors don’t sound like monsters. They sound like friends. Like logic. Like self-care.
They say:
- “Maybe wait until next month.”
- “You’re just being realistic.”
- “No one really needs this from you.”
- “That’s already been done.”
But look at what they prevent:
- The course you never launched
- The book you never wrote
- The class you didn’t sign up for
- The post you saved but never shared
- The conversation you didn’t start
They win by sounding reasonable. They lose their grip when you call them what they are:
Fear.
Disguised.
As care.
Name Them
One of the most powerful things you can do is name your inner protectors.
Because once they’re named, they can’t hide in your blind spots anymore.
Try this:
- The “What Will They Think?” voice
- The “Be Humble” echo
- The “This Isn’t the Right Time” shadow
- The “Who Do You Think You Are?” gremlin
Give them names. Get cheeky if you want. (Mine’s called Derek – he’s always in a suit and hates Instagram).
Whatever works. But name them.
Because when they’re unnamed, they feel like truth. When they’re exposed, they shrink.
Face Them
Next step: have a conversation with them.
Seriously. Sit with them in your journal. Ask them:
What are you trying to protect me from?
What are you afraid will happen?
What if I thanked you—and then chose differently?
You’ll be surprised how often your protectors are just scared kids who never learned a better strategy.
They don’t need the wheel.
You do.
Then Kick Them to the Curb
Not rudely. Not harshly. But clearly.
Say:
“Thank you for trying to keep me safe. But I’m choosing courage over comfort. I’ve got this now.”
Then move.
Write the thing.
Say the yes.
Launch the test.
Take the step.
Not because you’re fearless.
Because you’re done letting fear lead.
They Will Come Back
Protectors don’t vanish. They evolve.
They may get quieter. They may rebrand themselves as “concern.” They might wait until you level up and then whisper again:
“Now you have more to lose…”
That’s their trick.
They scale with your success.
So you’ll need to keep naming, facing, and replacing them.
Over and over again.
Replace Protection with Permission
What if, instead of protecting yourself from failure, you gave yourself permission to explore?
Permission to:
-
- Be a beginner
- Get it wrong
- Take up space
- Dream out loud
- Be seen mid-process
Tell the truth before you have a perfect plan
Because permission is what your protectors are trying to deny you.
You don’t need to rebel recklessly.
You just need to start living like your life is yours.
Because it is.
Real Talk: What’s One Protector You’re Letting Go?
Maybe it’s the “wait until it’s perfect” voice.
Maybe it’s the “no one cares what I have to say” lie.
Maybe it’s the “I should be grateful, not greedy” guilt trip.
Name it.
Now thank it.
Now replace it with a Mooshy move—one bold, messy, honest action that says:
“I’m done hiding.”
Try This Today:
-
-
- Write down 3 things your inner protector has said in the last week.
- Cross them out.
- Write a counter-statement beside each one.
-
Example:
❌ “No one wants to hear from you.”
✅ “There’s someone waiting for exactly what I have to say.”
❌ “You’re not ready.”
✅ “Starting is how I get ready.”
❌ “It’s already been done.”
✅ “But not by me. Not with my voice.”
You’re Not Broken. You’re Brave.
Your protectors don’t show up because you’re weak.
They show up because you’re powerful.
And power can be scary when you’ve been taught to keep it quiet.
But Oi Mooshy isn’t here for quiet.
We’re here for bold.
For real.
For imperfect, soul-led, purpose-fuelled movement.
Final Word:
Those protectors?
They served you once. But they don’t serve where you’re going.
It’s time to let them rest.
And it’s time to rise.
You’ve got permission now.
Let’s go.
FAQ: The Protectors
What are “The Protectors”?
The Protectors are internal voices or thought patterns that sound like caution or reason but are actually rooted in fear. They often prevent you from taking risks, trying new things, or stepping outside your comfort zone.
Are protectors always bad?
Not at all. They were built to keep you safe — often in childhood or past experiences. But as you grow, those same voices can become limiting if they go unchallenged.
How do I know if I’m listening to a protector?
If your inner voice is stopping you from doing something you’re excited about because of fear, doubt, or perfectionism, that’s likely a protector talking. Especially if it begins with “What if…” or “You shouldn’t…”
Can I get rid of them completely?
Not really — and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to erase them, but to recognise them, thank them, and choose courage instead. You get to be the one behind the wheel now.
How do I move forward when the protectors are loud?
Start small. Name the protector. Write down what it’s saying. Then write your truth beside it. Take one brave step that proves you are in charge now — not the fear.