“Being brave isn’t the absence of fear. Being brave is having that fear but finding a way through it.” – Bear Grylls
There is no one on the planet who does not fear something or another. So, relax, you are not alone. In fact, every child is born with 2 fears – the fear of heights and the fear of loud sounds.
Both of which are designed to protect us. Every other fear is subconsciously picked up. Fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear of bankruptcy, fear of hard work, etc. are all fears that have been institutionally imposed upon us – either by our parents or the system, we grow up in.
To truly achieve success in life, you must overcome your fears and act despite them.
As an entrepreneur, it can be both thrilling and scary to start your own business. If you start and fail, you will lose time and money. Not to mention, you might feel embarrassed.
If you do not start, you will regret what could be. Your business may end up making 6 or 7 figures in a couple of years.
So now, you are on the horns of a dilemma. What do you do?
Will you sacrifice the opportunity (which appears fortuitous) or will you approach your goals with vim and vigour?
If you are fearful, you will decide to stay where you are and not risk anything. You would rather cower and stagnate in your current situation.
If you are bold and willing to take risk, you will go all out to achieve your goals. Excellent! Like Babe Ruth said, “Never let the fear of striking out get in your way.”
- Action is everything
When you are fearful, go ahead and act on your goals. Action dispels fear. There is a quote by Dr Steve Maraboli which emphasizes just how important action is…
“The universe doesn’t give you what you ask for with your thoughts – it gives you what you demand with your actions.” – Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free
He’s absolutely right. You must act. Once you do, you will realize that a lot of your reprehension and fear disappear.
Your decision to start shines a light on the dark shadows in your mind and you will realize there was never a boogeyman out to get you. Fear is an illusion.
Your mind realizes that you are not playing around. Until now, you were a spectator… but things have changed. You are now a player.
- What is the worst that could happen?
Paralysis by analysis is a very real thing. When you have a ton of fears, you will not take action to make your dreams come true.
Ask yourself what you are afraid of. Write it all down. Go ahead… paint a worst-case scenario. Once you know what is the worst that could happen, ask yourself how you will manage things should such a scenario happen.
Now that you have a contingency plan, go ahead and take calculated and logical action. Do not take huge risks that you will not be able to manage should things go wrong.
Proceed cautiously… but do proceed. Always remember, most of your fears will NEVER come true. But if you keep going, you will achieve your goals… and your dreams will come true.
You have control over that. So, fear not.
- Have faith in yourself
Learn whatever you can. Practice hard. Work hard. Give yourself the best possible chance of success.
Instead of listening to the naysayers and the fearful voice in your head, seek the truth instead. Is there anyone else who achieved the same goals that you are aiming for?
Most often, there will be. Just know that if they can do it, so can you.
Here is the truth – the only way you will ever overcome fear is if you acknowledge it – then ignore it and act anyway.
Ignore the naysayers. Ignore the resistance within you. Ignore the possibility of failure.
Go ahead with your goals and dreams and know in your heart that no matter what happens, you will give it your best. Avoid striving for perfection. Aim for excellence instead. This will help you stay motivated.
With a proclivity for hard work and action in the face of fear, you will attract success and achieve what most will not – because fear holds them back. But now you know better.
Just act.
