Facing the Fear of Incompletion: Embracing Self-Awareness and Growth

Posted by:

1LoveWarrior

|

On:

|

,
, , , , , ,

by Stephanie Bucklin

I woke up from a recurring dream. The dream is about a task or something I am supposed to complete. This dream has repeated for decades – the characters and storyline changes, but the message is the same. I believe this dream speaks to my fears. It shows me my procrastination, when I’m very stressed my productivity goes down. Insomnia increases. And the restlessness in my nervous system dysregulation affects my whole body. Am I out of integrity? Is there something eating away at me that I need to face?

The Recurring Dream: A Message from Within

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had this recurring dream. The details shift, the characters change, but the core message remains the same—I am meant to complete something. Yet, in the dream, I never quite do. This dream has followed me for decades, whispering to me in the quiet hours of the night. What is it trying to tell me? What fear does it want me to confront?

Dreams often serve as messages from the subconscious, using imagery to reveal what we may not consciously acknowledge. A house, a road, or an unfinished project can symbolize the state of our inner world. In my case, the recurring dream of incompletion mirrors my fear of falling short, of not meeting the standards I set for myself. As Carl Jung once said, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” This dream is my subconscious calling me to awareness.

Recognizing the Fear: What Am I Avoiding?

I believe this dream speaks to my fears of procrastination, of falling short, of not meeting the standards I set for myself. When stress rises, my productivity declines. Insomnia creeps in, and my nervous system reacts with restlessness, affecting my entire body. Is this my subconscious calling me out? Am I out of integrity with my true purpose? Is there something buried deep within me that I have yet to face?

Then, an epiphany. The fear of incompletion is, at its root, illogical. There is no reason to fear imperfections, to worry that something is less than amazing. What if I simply choose to face the fear? What if I accept that resilience is not about perfection but about persistent action despite the fear? I choose to feel the fear and do it anyway.

Lessons from Lifestyle Teachers: Overcoming Fear with Action

James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, teaches that lasting change comes from small, consistent actions. If my dream is revealing a fear of incompletion, then the antidote is steady progress. Instead of seeing a task as overwhelming, I can break it into tiny, manageable steps. Completion doesn’t have to mean perfection—momentum is what matters.

Mel Robbins, known for The 5 Second Rule, offers a simple but powerful strategy: when fear creeps in, count down from five and take immediate action before doubt has a chance to stop you. Perhaps my procrastination isn’t about laziness but about hesitation. What if I trained myself to move before fear takes hold?

Marie Forleo reminds us in Everything is Figureoutable that every challenge has a solution. If my subconscious is telling me something is unfinished, I must ask: What is the smallest next step I can take today? Instead of avoiding, I can approach my fear with curiosity. Dr. Joe Dispenza, author of Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, teaches that we have the power to rewire our thoughts. If I’m stuck in the habit of self-doubt or fear of failure, I can consciously shift my beliefs—choosing thoughts of empowerment and self-trust instead.

Releasing Fear: The Power of Ritual

For over a year, I have practiced a full moon ritual where I write down my fears and burn them away. Each time, I feel a shift, as though the fire releases the weight I’ve been carrying. This ritual has become a powerful tool for confronting my inner demons, bringing them into the light, and taking action toward what I truly desire.

But what about the insomnia? Why am I awake at midnight, staring at the ceiling? Yes, there are practical reasons—too much caffeine, overstimulation, physical pain. But my dream tells me there’s something deeper, something hidden just beyond my conscious awareness. What is it that I am not seeing? Or perhaps, what is it that I refuse to see?

An Invitation: What Fear Is Holding You Back?

If you’ve ever found yourself caught in the cycle of self-doubt, of unfinished projects and unfulfilled dreams, perhaps my experience can serve as a mirror. How often do we let fear stop us? How often do we judge ourselves instead of offering the kindness and compassion we so freely give to others? Christ Consciousness speaks to the forgiveness of self, the grace to embrace our journey without harsh criticism.

So, I offer this to you—not just as a reflection but as an invitation. What fears are holding you back? What hidden messages are waiting in your subconscious, asking to be seen?

Maybe tonight, instead of fighting the restlessness, you sit with it. Acknowledge it. And then, like the fears I write down each full moon, release it into the fire and step forward into the light.

Namaste,
~S

References (To Go Down the Rabbit Hole 😉

Books Referenced

  1. James Clear – Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
  2. Mel Robbins – The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage
  3. Marie Forleo – Everything is Figureoutable
  4. Dr. Joe Dispenza – Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One
  5. Carl Jung – Memories, Dreams, Reflections

Additional Resources on Dream Meaning & Self-Awareness

  1. The Jungian Center for the Spiritual Sciences – Resources on dream analysis
  2. Psychology Today – Articles on fear, procrastination, and self-awareness
  3. Christ Consciousness & Self-Forgiveness – Teachings on self-compassion and spiritual growth

Posted by

1LoveWarrior

in

,

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Verified by MonsterInsights