Each of us has dealt with fear in our lives. Whether it's fear of change, phobias, a reluctance to do something, fear can be downright scary. The paralyzing effect that fear emits can, by itself, be threatening.
Fear can cause our hearts to beat faster. Fear will make us cry, it will make us sweat, and it will stop us in our tracks. Fear can also make us curious. What is it about fear that, just by merely thinking about it, can cause havoc?
Fear, by definition, is anxious concern; an unpleasant, often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. Fear is a lack of courage; a reluctance to do something, an aversion.
When fear enters our lives it can shut us down making us a prisoner of our circumstance. Too many times we hear of people having panic attacks, of not being able to move. I can't imagine feeling so powerless that I can't get my body to react during a time of perceived danger.
Fear will prevent us from making decisions, whether hard or simple. Not being comfortable with the outcome, being uncertain, not trusting your gut feelings causes you to remain dormant or stuck where you are. Doubt can rear its ugly head and cause you to question your decisions. Should I accept the promotion, buy the car, marry or divorce, etc.? How many great opportunities have been sacrificed because you were afraid to take a risk?
We've all made decisions only to second-guess ourselves. We allow doubt to manifest itself. Once fear enters into the decision it can fester. This festering provides challenges that prevent us from moving forward.
One of the ways to combat fear is by taking action. Taking action requires courage, hence what I call, CIA, Courage In Action. In order to rid oneself of fear, one must have the courage to acknowledge that change is necessary. Having the desire to change things that are in your control is a good motivator. Focusing on the positive results you obtain will go a log way towards reducing your fears. Taking action steps provides you with the strength to make and support the removal of your self-imposed roadblocks.
In order to take action, you have to map it out. When doubt tries to penetrate your mind, having a plan you can refer back to will reveal the progress you have made. Taking courage in action enables you to "flip" the negatives into "positives".
So, instead of being tormented by fear, decide that you are going to fight being fearful. When fear steps into the ring with you and tries to sucker-punch you into believing that you can't, that change is not good, that you are better off remaining as is, get ready to come out swinging. Don't allow fear to keep you imprisoned. Take a stance. Deliver a knockout punch against the bully you call fear. You will be the one left standing!!
