The things we love most come with the greatest amount of fear. It’s because you love it so much that fear intensifies. When putting your heart and soul into something you don’t want it to fail. You don’t want to think you can’t succeed in doing what you love.
When you choose a path of purpose fear gives you direction, it’s like your inner compass. Fear is good. The unpleasant emotion we feel is when we are threatened or perceive a threat, however in today’s world real, true threats are becoming less and less. When’s the last time you stepped out of your car to find a tiger staring you down?
We live most of our lives avoiding “threats” in our comfort zone. Our brains natural instincts are to keep us out of harm’s way, to keep us feeling comfortable and safe. But, it’s outside our comfort zone that we find a life of happiness and purpose.
Applying all of our gifts to something significant is fulfilling and where we find meaning in our lives. We want to be a part of something bigger and show others what IS possible. Whether you are BEING the change, creating change in others or making a bigger difference in the world it’s how you apply fear that can be the deciding factor between you achieving success or living life comfortably content.
My Fear
For a long time, I resisted pursuing entrepreneurship despite my heart being pulled towards it. I allowed my fear to run me off when instead I should have followed it as a sign. Here’s a quick list of some of the fears I experienced:
- Fear of the unknown- I didn’t know what’s pulling me in this direction I’ve never explored, what’s to be expected?
- Fear of what family, friends, and girlfriends would think- if I took a leap without knowing what I was doing or getting myself into or even worse failed, how would they view me?
- Fear of change- If I did this things will have to change and how much work will this be?
- Fear of missing out- If it’s a lot of work what will I have to miss to sustain it?
- Fear of rejection or not being good enough- If I do this I want to be excellent, but what if I can’t live up or what if they don’t like me?
10 years I ran from these and a variety of other fears only to see my dreams fall further away and my life crumble the farther they fell.
Step into Your Fear
It wasn’t until I became desperate enough and stepped into my fear that everything changed. And it was then that I learned fear is to be followed, it’s not a deterrent. Here are some of the rewards you can expect from your courage and stepping into your fear.
Improved Self-Confidence
Confidence is a tricky mix of competence, courage, and clarity. The great thing about stepping into your fear, there is no losing. Either you win or you grow in knowledge, wisdom, skill or clarity. This helps give you direction and builds greater confidence to take on bigger stronger fears.
Deeper Connections
We don’t want others recognizing our slight slip-ups, hidden blemishes, or the kinks in our armor. However, it’s in our adversity and vulnerability where we gain virtue and great respect. Sharing our struggles doesn’t show weakness, it reveals strength and it creates deeper bonds with others. People see the character in crashing, crumbling and climbing back up. There’s courage in simply sharing truth no matter if it’s sunshine and rainbows or dark and stormy weather.
Comfort in Change
No matter when, where or how you begin; the journey of change is rarely what you wished for. Like a ship at sea, no path is permanent; you’re ever-adjusting until you reach your destination. Sometimes there’s a trail and other times you’ll be called to blaze your own. It’s at this time you no longer stumble upon doubt, uncertainty, and shame; instead, you take pride, find flow and experience peace.
Creative Freedom
When we’re not isolated by fear we begin thinking outside the box. We see new opportunities and explore unmeasured methods. We no longer believe in boundaries, rather we push for possibilities. In this sea of possibility, you’ll find many of the hidden joys of life.
The majority of people succumb to fear each and every day, you don’t have to be one of them. Dreams have a greater magnetic pull than fear.
Yes, fear can overcome you if you allow it. But, you are strong. Find a reason greater than your excuses, a clear dream over procrastination or an ambition that ignites your inner fire, and you’ll conquer your fears. Soon, you’ll look back on your struggle and understand it wasn’t that scary after all.
What would be possible in your life if you could run right through your fear today?
