Sometime ago I book-marked an article that I thought was worth keeping. The title: How To Conquer Fear by Geoffrey James.
Opening paragraph: “Fear is the enemy of success. Large rewards only result from taking comparably large risks. If you’re ruled by fear, you’ll never take enough risks and never achieve success you deserve.“
He has four key points:
Value Courage Over Security: To conquer fear, you must consciously dethrone “security” as the thing that you value most in your life and replace it with the active virtue of “courage.” You must decide, once and for all, that it’s more important for you to have the courage to do what you must to succeed, rather than to cling to the things that make you feel safe.
Differentiate Between Fear & Prudence: Prudence is a good thing. Just make sure you aren’t pretending to be prudent–when you’re just trying to avoid taking reasonable business risks, for instance, or putting yourself on the line to do what’s necessary.
Treat Fear as a Call to Action: If what you fear is outside of your control (like an economic downturn), write down a specific plan of the exact steps that you’ll take in order to adapt, if and when it happens… But if what you fear is inside your control–some action that you’re afraid to take, that is–take a few moments to prepare yourself, then do the thing that’s scaring you.
Reframe Fear Into Excitement: Today, I’m actually really excited whenever I discover something that I’m afraid to do, because I know that something wonderful is going to happen–provided I summon the courage to take action!
I have taken only my favourite snippets from Geoffrey’s article. You can read his whole post here.
So often we use our fears as excuses or crutches for not taking a risk. If you are completely happy in and with your life, not a problem. But if you want to redesign any part of your life, then you need to face your fears head on. There is enough in life we can’t control; we must learn how to exorcise those demons that prevent us from achieving the life we want. And deserve.
I’m not saying it’s easy. I still struggle with #1, but I’m getting better at the next 3 (even in #4 takes some serious self-talk!)
If you’re wanting something in life different from what you currently have, here’s my challenge to start: Work on wanting something better/different more than you fear maintaining what you currently have!
I found this post through the #MLSTL party and just love it! So many times the fear turns something that might be a small thing into such a large thing that we won’t even try..which just creates a vicious circle for us. I’m sharing this in my email newsletter because…well, because I simply thing that it’s something we all suffer from to some extent. Sometimes a simple mind shift makes all the difference
Thanks for stopping by, Shelley! How often would a simple mind shift make a difference in our lives! I agree that we all suffer from some fear or another at some point… some of us more than others. Thanks also for the share!
This seems like something I should read!
It’s short and sweet and to the point, Darla! Some good points actually! 🙂
I like the point about reframing our fear into excitement. That puts a totally new perspective on the unknown. Thanks for sharing. #MLSTL
I agree, Candi! We make assumptions about the unknown for a number of reasons… reframing to excitement is a great idea!
I’ve come to realize I highly value security and comfort and I’m willing to give up some things to maintain those things in my life. Not that I don’t face some fears head on. I took motorcycle lessons and was terrified… almost quit the class. But decided not to buy one as the fear of being injured is just too high. But I then have a 100 New Things goal this year…. and some might just be new restaurants and new foods, but I’m also facing my fear of self-promotion head on with trying to “market” my book. I guess… Read more »
Interesting you mention motorcycle lessons, Pat, as I remember that fear well. Then a good friend asked me to buy his bike as he wanted to know she’d have a good home and the rest is history. I overcame my fears by riding alone and fine-tuning my skills on quieter rides.
100 New Things is a great idea and I like that you’ve slipped a few Big Steps into the mix! Good Luck with those!
Fear is a big one for me. I try so hard to embrace new challenges and talk myself into believing I’m not scared….. but under it all I’m still a little girl wanting to run away and let someone else deal with it all! I guess getting older has made me braver (nobody is rescuing me most times!) and that’s another tick for Midlife.
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
I love your insights, Leanne! By midlife we’ve realized too that “this too will pass” so often it’s easier in the long run to embrace what needs to be done because we’ll be just fine when we come out the other side.
The timing of this post is good. I will be facing several changes in my life this upcoming year and will have to step outside my comfort zone. Visiting from Midlife Share the Love
Good luck with your changes!! I like the reframing into excitement and I hope you find the exciting part of your upcoming moves.
Such an interesting post! I really like the idea of reframing fear into excitement. It turns it into something entirely different that way. #mlstl
I read the article some time ago, Debbie, but I’ve heard other thought leaders talk about that more recently, especially with phobias like flying or public speaking.
It certainly isn’t easy. Facing fear means exposing vulnerabilities. Very often things need to be quite uncomfortable in order for you to take the steps that need to be taken. If I stop and think about things that’s when fear takes over, if I jump, I don’t have time to think. Good and relevant post. Visiting from #MLSTL
It isn’t easy, Tracey, and I find Procrastination is at its finest when I fear a change. As an over-thinker I hear you when you talk about just jumping!