There is a scourge of fear seeping into all levels and aspects of business and life. Decisions are being made, or not made, due to fear; people speak, or more dangerously, don’t speak, due to fear; opportunities are ignored or followed, due to fear. Fear is limiting our lives, our dreams and our potential.
Many would say, “we have good reason to be fearful, look at the world out there, recessions, crime, natural disasters”. Fear is limiting and stops us from recognising the true potential. If we want to succeed in our tough world and transform it into a place that is better, safer, happier and more abundant, we have to have courage and transform the fear.
What does this mean:
- When we are making decisions, ask yourself, “is this decision the right decision or is it a decision based in fear”?
- If it is a decision based in fear, ask yourself, “What am I scared of”? and write this down;
- Once you understand what you are fearful of, check that this is the only aspect you are fearful of and write down any other fears that are influencing your decision.
- Now, look at each fear and check, is this fear real or is it false, imagined, blown out of proportion;
- Finally, ask yourself
- what is the best that can come from pursuing this decision
- what is the worst that can come from pursuing this decision and
- What is the opportunity that I am giving up on by living in fear?
Decisions that have fear are the decisions that can transform us. Because we don’t trust ourselves and take the considered leap, we live in fear, conforming. Fear then becomes more fear and eventually we are paralysed in a pattern of mediocrity. Mediocrity expresses itself in numerous ways such as;
- Unhappiness and an inability to move
- Discontent and an inability to be grateful
- Mediocrity and an inability to achieve greatness;
- Disappointment and an inability to learn and soar.
Working to master your fear doesn’t happen overnight. Start small, practice and begin to experience the rewards that come from reaching for your business dreams in-spite of fear. Remember, the definition of courage is: “the ability to do something that frightens one(Oxford Dictionary)”. Isn’t it time to achieve your magnificence?