Fear. Every one of us has some form of fear in one way or another. There is a healthy type of fear that can protect us from harm’s way. On the other hand, it can place barriers and obstacles in the way of progress and growth. I believe there are too many who allow the fear of what can happen to stand in the way of what has the ability to happen. Fear can be a factor that severely alters the quality of life for someone in their teens to someone in their eighties; it’s timeless.There is power in teaching the value of overcoming  fear.

What drives unhealthy forms of fear?

• Insecurity
• Doubt
• Concern for non-conformity
• Concern for isolation
• Stress

Check your pulse. If  you have a pulse and you have breath you are alive. You are right here right now. Every day is a gift; the breath we take is not guaranteed.  It is rewiring our mindset that this is enough to drive us forward in doing.  Too often, the uncertainty of what could be taints the ability to step forward and DO. How yuck is that? Going forward and refraining from entrapment in a static state is super important. This is easier said than done.

So what does this look like? Awesome question! It may be refraining from asking someone to grab a bite to eat for fear of rejection. Or it’s having a great idea and not speaking up at a meeting. How about not going out for a sports team, class or trying something new? Just because of fear. There are a million things to be fearful of that hold us back. Every day we have a thousand choices. We can either succumb to fear or face it;

there are no other options.

Overcoming fear….

For ten years I kicked around the reality of writing and publishing a book. I wrote, reflected and was on a roll. About six months before I handed over my manuscript fear set in. What if what I wrote wasn’t well received? Would anyone look at me differently after sharing so much of my heart with the world? Holy cow it was scary. Part of me wanted to allow time to lapse and for my vision to fade in the distance. In a split second I realized I was almost guilty of being a talker instead of a doer; hot air and no legs to stand on. I was in a fo

rk in the road, am I succumbing to fear or am I overcoming fear?

Over the past fifteen years I have spent thousands of hours challenging kids to put words into actions and to face fear in the face. How could I then, back down from my own fear? I’d be a super lame hypocrite.

What I will say is checking off one more ‘to do’ on my bucket list is empowering. It wasn’t easy, but the truth is that which holds greatest reward and opportunity for growth is not typically easy.

Here’s the deal….

• You are going to fail at some point. We all do.
• It isn’t about how many times you fail or fall, it’s about whether you decide to get back up again.
• When we succumb to fear there is the tendency to live in the past.
• Fear can often propagate angst and anger; two unnecessary accessories in life.
• Attitude is critical
• If you think you can’t do it, well, you can’t.

Three great ways to get the non-fear factor ball rolling:

1. Peeps: Do you currently surround yourself academically, professionally, socially, etc. with those who shirk from fears or those who face them? Think about that one for a second. Fear facers are typically positive, sharp and focus on forward not neutral or reverse. Who we invest our time with is critical; it impacts us in more ways than we often realize. Hang with doubters and those with a high fear factor and your status will be likewise.
2. Goals: Write down your top five fears that you are willing to look at and ultimately tackle. Take one at a time, but have a time line. If thoughts and goals are limited to our mind they will just circulate and go no further.
3. Get uncomfortable: Whether it be weekly or monthly do something that is out of your comfort zone. This is a great way to lay the groundwork in facing something that’s you are not accustomed to. Overcoming fear of even the smallest of things is a step forward.

Fear is uncomfortable…

Today is a new day. Maintaining an existence that is blocked and stunted by fear is a bummer. Choose to go forward. When we opt to go forward and overcome fears that hold us back life becomes well, more alive. As you rock out your week know that even one small step is a step; give yourself credit.

Wishing you a blessed and fulfilling week of fortitude, a positive outlook and reflection. Peace, Love & Goodness!