Do It Anyway
Copyright 2006 Jennifer Givler
We all have fears - it's quite normal. For example, I am afraid
of spiders... doesn't matter what size they are, or how far away
they are from me, I run screaming from a room if I see one of
the little creatures.
Fears about our current life situation, or about taking the
steps necessary to change our situation can operate in the same
manner as my fear of spiders; they can make us run screaming in
the exact opposite direction that we want to grow in.
Fear is paralyzing and it can be debilitating. Fear makes us
picture the worst possible scenarios... and it helps us to
believe in those possibilities, keeping us stuck right where we
are.
Fear is an interesting anomaly. The fact is, fear is not real.
Fear is something that our mind creates. Certainly, there are
very real things to fear. For example, we may fear being
involved in a car accident. Car accidents are very real. But the
fear associated with that is not.
Think about it. What is fear? Fear is being afraid of, or
worrying about something that may happen - a perceived danger.
Not something that is happening in real time.
Look at my spider example above. What am I really afraid of with
spiders? The thing is, I have this fear that they will leap at
me and attack me... ok, now that I've written that, I see how
silly it really is! They are small creatures - who are probably
more afraid of me than I could ever be of them. But, the fear I
have of them is in my own mind. Spiders will not leap at me...
and hopefully, now that I realize that, my fear will vanish!
Chances are, when you are about to try something new, you will
experience fear. You can always choose to walk through your
fear. You can face the fear and do it anyway. And really, that
is the only way to banish it - take it by the horns and show it
whose boss! What is fear holding you back from doing? Do you
want to start a business? Change jobs? What are you afraid of if
you attempt those things?
Today, take one small step to overcome that fear. Don't hesitate
to start small. For example, make up a flyer about your business
and send it to 3 people you know. Or, write an e-mail to 5
people and let them know you want to change jobs. See what kind
of response you get.
The point is to start. Do it anyway. And, if it doesn't work out
this time - don't give up. Keep moving through your fear - by
doing it anyway.
Exercise What is the number one fear that is holding you back
right now? Ask yourself this simple question: What am I afraid
of?
Next, ask yourself, what small step can I take today in the
direction I want to move?
Journal your answers and be open to the possibilities that come
up for you.