In his talk, Pushkal Mammula unpacks a common fear that holds us back, the fear of being judged. We imagine the world watching our every move, but in reality, people are too preoccupied with their insecurities to judge us. This “spotlight paradox” shows that we are far less judged than we believe. In his talk, Pushkal explains how fear of judgment keeps us trapped in comfort zones, costing us growth and opportunity. By embracing discomfort and remembering that most people are focused on themselves, we can start speaking up, stepping out, and reclaiming our potential. As Club President and Producer at TEDxOOBSchool, Pushkal embodies leadership and innovation. A passionate debater and event coordinator, he thrives at the intersection of technology, public speaking, and positive impact. His TEDx talk explores the paradox of fear, how the anxiety of judgment holds us back, even though others are too consumed by their own insecurities to truly judge us. With honesty and encouragement, he inspires audiences to step beyond comfort zones, embrace growth, and boldly be themselves. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx