PART 2 OF 2
In our last blog post, I talked about the crippling effect that fear can have on people. How it can distort reality, stop us from pursuing our dreams and keep us from successful outcomes.
Fear causes all kinds of problems. It can make us fall short of our potential. Fear often forces us to play it safe. Fear might keep a salesperson from calling people they don’t know, people who just might be that next great customer. If you are a leader, fear might keep you from giving the necessary feedback to managers who need polishing. That sets them back and it can set your company back, too. Fear can cause us to procrastinate or to not do something at all.
Fear of failure is what keeps a great many people from following their passions.
But there’s an upside to fear, too.
Fear can be a powerful motivator. It can push us to act and make changes for the better. Fear kept primitive people alive in a dangerous natural world, and our primal fight or flight instinct is often a good thing even in the modern world. But it’s important to remember that fear can be paralyzing, and it can lead us in the wrong direction.
A better kind of motivation, of course, is positive motivation—motivation based on goals rather than the fear of failure. For instance, rather than having the fear of getting an F on a test be your motivation to study, focus instead of getting an A and the advantages of good grades over the long term.
I think it’s interesting that the words “fear not” appear 365 times in the Bible. Obviously, this is referring to faith. It is about not being afraid and instead trusting God and His plan for our lives. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” This verse reminds us that we can achieve our goals when we trust in God and rely on His strength.
When we choose faith over fear. When we don’t let fear guide our actions.
So, what does this look like in everyday life? Well, fear is often rooted in uncertainty, so it’s important to focus on establishing goals that are well-defined and achievable. When setting a goal, identify what steps you need to take to accomplish it and break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. Doing this will help you feel more confident about achieving your goal and less overwhelmed by the process of getting there. It will tamp down the fear.
Also, it’s helpful to remind yourself why you are pursuing your goal and how achieving it will benefit you or those around you. Keeping your “why” front and center will give you the positive motivation and determination necessary for success.
Winston Churchill said, “Success is all about going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.” You could also say, “Success is all about going from fear to fear while maintaining your positive enthusiasm.”
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