What Can Fear Do For You?

Posted by Contributor _Featured_, Awake and Aware, Inspirational Saturday, July 21st, 2012

(By Randall McLaughlin)

In life, the majority of us know what to do. We know what gets results, how to do better, and what to do to ultimately feel good. We know how to succeed, move forward, and how to lead a pack. But, knowing and doing are two completely different things. It’s easier to know than to do. It’s easier to think than to act. It is true that knowing is half the battle; but, victory can only be found in action. And, that’s where a great deal of us fall short. We fail to take action. We choose not to lead, not to push forward with our ideas. Chances are, half of you reading this have a million dollar idea rattling around in your minds; yet, you haven’t tried to pursue it. The majority of us are holding ourselves back. And, it’s about time we started moving forward.

Fear is holding us all back. Fear in ourselves, society, and fear in general. We fear what the world will think of our ideas. We fear being rejected and humiliated even though we’re certain we have something great to contribute. Fear is universal. It’s found in everything we do. When we pursue a relationship, we fear what our date thinks of who we are. We fear what they’re perceiving of us and others. We fear commitment, loss, love, and compassion. When we want to start a business, we fear the same things. Losing money, committing, not loving what we’ve chosen to get involved in, and how compassionate the world will be to our new business. Fear is in everything; but everyday, relationships are being formed, businesses are being started, and lives are being lived.

So, you might say these lucky few are absent of fear. However, fear exists in all of us. In every icon, soldier, coach, and politician lies at least an ounce of fear that wont go away. Courage, as they would say; “is not the absence of fear. It’s the will to carry on despite fear”. Fear comes naturally to all humans. Courage comes from perseverance.

It may be hard to see fear as anything other than damaging to our well being. But, it’s important to remember that we naturally fear what we desperately want to gain. Fearing a relationship, a career, or a goal typically stems from a deep desire to be with someone, some company, or achieve something. Fear can help us weed out what we truly want and what we don’t truly care for. Chances are, if you’re not slightly afraid of doing something, you could probably care less about having it in your life.

The science of fear is remarkable. But fear shouldn’t hold a person back. As a wise person once said: “success comes from constantly facing your fears and conquering your doubts”. Without fear we wouldn’t know what truly matters. But, despite fear, we should always push forward.