The Fear of Sharing Progress: Navigating the Discomfort of Being on Camera

When someone told me they were okay with me recording their lifts for progress but didn’t want it shared in a private group where they know everyone, it struck a chord. This wasn’t just about the mechanics of lifting or the technicality of being on camera. It was about something deeper—being seen, judged, and exposed.

This fear is more common than we talk about, and it’s tied to how we perceive ourselves, vulnerability, and our relationship with progress. As I reflected on it, I realized that while this fear feels deeply personal, there’s a lot of psychology and research that explains why so many of us struggle with this discomfort.

Let’s break it down, because understanding it can help us move through it.

 
Why Are We So Afraid to Be Seen?

1. The “Spotlight Effect”
The spotlight effect refers to our tendency to overestimate how much others notice or judge us (Gilovich et al., 2000). When we’re on camera, we feel like every flaw, misstep, or awkward movement is magnified. In reality, most people are far less critical than we imagine—especially in supportive spaces like a fitness group.

2. Fear of Social Judgment
Evolutionarily, humans are wired to seek social acceptance. Negative judgment or perceived rejection can trigger feelings of anxiety or inadequacy (Leary & Kowalski, 1995). Even in a group where we trust others, the vulnerability of sharing our “in-progress” self—rather than a perfected version—can feel like a risk.

3. Self-Objectification and Body Image
Research shows that seeing ourselves through the lens of a camera can increase self-objectification—focusing more on how we look than on what we’re doing (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997). This shift can heighten self-consciousness, making it harder to focus on the progress or achievement the video represents.

4. Impostor Syndrome
In fitness, impostor syndrome can creep in, making us feel like we’re not “good enough” to share our progress publicly. Studies suggest this feeling is common, even among people who are highly competent (Clance & Imes, 1978). The fear of not being “ready” to share often holds us back from recognizing our true achievements.

Why Sharing Your Lifts Matters

Here’s the thing: Sharing your lifts in a safe, supportive group isn’t about showing off. It’s about celebrating progress, learning from each other, and building a sense of community.

It Normalizes the Process: By sharing your lifts—flaws and all—you remind others that progress isn’t linear or perfect. It’s messy, but that’s what makes it real.
It Builds Connection: Research shows that shared vulnerability strengthens bonds (Brown, 2012). When you share your journey, you create space for others to share theirs.
It Tracks Growth: Watching your old videos is one of the most powerful ways to see how far you’ve come, both physically and mentally.

How to Approach the Fear of Sharing Progress

If the idea of sharing videos of your lifts makes you uncomfortable, you’re not alone. The key is to approach it at your own pace and with strategies that make it feel less overwhelming.

1. Understand That the Fear Is Normal
Knowing that others feel the same discomfort can be reassuring. In fact, studies on public performance anxiety suggest that even seasoned athletes and performers experience similar fears (Mesagno & Marchant, 2013). The difference is in how they work through it.

2. Start with Small, Private Steps
You don’t have to share a video publicly right away. Record your lifts for yourself first. Watch them privately, focusing on what went well. The more you expose yourself to seeing your progress, the less intimidating it will feel over time.

3. Reframe Your Perspective
Instead of thinking of the video as a performance, think of it as a tool. A study by Lee and Schumann (2004) found that reframing a task as a learning opportunity rather than an evaluation reduced performance anxiety and increased confidence. Your video isn’t about being perfect—it’s about tracking growth.

4. Lean on Your Supportive Community
If you decide to share, start with a space where you feel safe, like a group of like-minded people who understand the journey. Research shows that social support enhances motivation and reduces feelings of inadequacy in fitness settings (Deci & Ryan, 1985).

5. Celebrate Progress Over Perfection
Focus on what you’ve achieved, not what you think is lacking. Studies on growth mindset (Dweck, 2006) highlight the importance of viewing effort and progress as success, rather than fixating on outcomes. Did you lift heavier than last week? Maintain better form? Celebrate those wins.

What I’ve Learned About Vulnerability in Fitness

When she told me she wasn’t comfortable sharing her video, it made me pause. My first reaction was, “But everyone here is supportive! Why not?” But the more I thought about it, the more I understood.

Sharing a video isn’t just about showing a lift. It’s about letting others see a part of you that feels unfinished, in progress, or vulnerable. That takes courage. And even if someone isn’t ready to take that step, they’re still showing up. They’re still doing the work, and that matters.

A Reframe: Why Sharing Progress Is a Gift

Sharing progress isn’t just about you—it’s about what you offer others. When you share a lift, you show that:

Progress is achievable, no matter your starting point.
It’s okay to be imperfect.

Strength isn’t just about physical performance—it’s about showing up despite the fear.

And for yourself, those videos become a time capsule of growth. Looking back on your journey—weeks, months, or years later—reminds you how far you’ve come, even on days when progress feels slow.

A Thought to Leave You With

If you’re scared to share your progress, know this: You’re not alone. Vulnerability is hard, but it’s also where connection and growth happen. Take small steps. Share when you’re ready.

The camera doesn’t capture your worth. It captures your effort, your growth, and the courage it takes to show up. That’s something to be proud of—whether you share it or not.

References

Brown, B. (2012). Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. Penguin Random House.

Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 15(3), 241-247.

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Springer Science & Business Media.

Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.

Fredrickson, B. L., & Roberts, T. A. (1997). Objectification theory: Toward understanding women's lived experiences and mental health risks. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 21(2), 173-206.

Gilovich, T., Medvec, V. H., & Savitsky, K. (2000). The spotlight effect in social judgment: An egocentric bias in estimates of the salience of one's own actions and appearance. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 78(2), 211-222.

Lee, J., & Schumann, D. W. (2004). Explaining performance in cross-functional teams. Journal of Business Research, 57(10), 1110-1120.

Mesagno, C., & Marchant, D. (2013). Characteristics of situational choking under pressure in sports. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 44(4), 368-384.