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 his 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 cannot control; we must learn how to exorcise those demons that prevent us from achieving the life we want. And deserve.
If taking charge of a comfortable retirement is one of your goals; if lack of support or lack of direction are two of the fears holding you back, together we can confront your fears and direct you toward your goal.
Assignment #1: Work on wanting a better lifestyle more than you fear changing your current one!
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Hi Agnes, I have always been taught that fear is the opposite of faith and I truly believe that. It took me a long time, but I’m over fear and worry and on to faith!
Enjoy your post Agnes. To live the life that we are meant for—the life we long for—we must be willing to start, shake things up a bit, face fear, face our truth and steady our-self to receive –because once we declare our readiness for more and commit to this journey, God will respond by delivering the people, events and things that we need to live and contribute our full potential.
Love this post Agnes. So many people are paralyzed by fear that they miss all the great opportunities out there. I love the idea of reframing fear into excitement, I will definately be using this one from now on!
This is a great post Agnes and yes it was always fear of the unknown that slowed me down but when I got into the right mindset to face up to those fears there was no turning back. ‘Thanks for shring.
WOW, what immediately hit me between the eyeballs was
“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.”
Now matter where you are in your business, there is always a next level – which comes with a new fear.
That quote is a must share!
“dethrone security” is a great phrase, Linette, I noticed it right away too.
Hi Agnes, Interesting article, Fear defeats more people than any other one thing in the world. I believe, Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Thanks for sharing 😉
Great post, Agnes. Fear can be crippling, even paralyzing, if we allow it to overcome us. I love the suggestion to treat fear as a call to action. Often the slightest movement can make all the difference.
I agree, Tanya. Changing Fear to Excitement in your mind could become a habit after a while I believe.
Thanks for dropping by!
Agnes…great article…and reframing is a good skill for lots of things. I’ve been using it a lot this year. It’s like channeling your energy and using it to push through the very things that scare the bajeebers out of us!
Agnes – I loved this post. Fear is a funny thing — too often we let it control us when we really are in charge of it. The 4 tips are great for overcoming our fears.
I agree, Carol! I am getting better and better at #s 3 & 4!