Is fear keeping you small?

I've worked with a few clients this August as most are on holiday, but one concept which I feel keeps showing up is that of fear. Fear is our way of slowing down the progress we're making and sometimes this can be a good thing. Certainly, a healthy amount of fear can keep us safer, more secure, and can keep us from taking rash action. However, there are times when fear also acts to keep us small to keep us from stepping fully into our own greatness and truly owning our life and the success we create in it. What are some cues that fear is keeping you small? First,you have a persistent dream that you never seem to quite reach. You keep coming close but never quite get there. You feel frustrated and upset about this. Second, your dream or goal matters - a lot - and you don't feel you can give up on it (even though so far haven't found a way to attain it). Third, you feel some discomfort or uncertainty about the consequences of your own success. You aren't sure if you can handle the extra attention, extra demands or extra responsibility that being successful will bring you. Maybe its none of that and you just feel scared in picking up the phone or going to talk to promoters, venue managers and people who can give you many gigs. So what shall you do if you notice the fear in the way? Here are some options: 1) Get support. Join with a friend, colleague, or team to help you reach your goal. Hiring a coach could be your best bet! 2) Use the smallest unit to get going. Find the smallest action you can take and then take it. 3) Work on it regularly. Once a day or a week, spend at least 15-20 minutes acting on your dream or goal. 4) Be inspired. Surround yourself with information about people who achieved what you desire. 5) Feel the fear but don't let it stop you. When you find the fear is pulling you back, talk yourself through it. Recognize that the fear has the right to speak, but that you don't necessarily have to listen. Remember, you want what you want precisely because it is possible for you to have it.