Fear is a natural human emotion. We fear physical pain and avoid it. We fear the unknown and the lack of control it represents. We fear commitment, because it makes us vulnerable to rejection and failure. But in the end we often discover that our worst enemy is fear itself.
So we hesitate…in pursuing relationships…investing in business opportunities…and following through on visions and goals.
Except we know that fortunes are made when people chance it. Remarkable achievements come through acts of courage. And speculative risks gain windfalls from a leap of faith.
But how do you decide when to act or hold off? How do you know if your hesitation is because of fear or instinct? Where’s the line between courage and foolhardiness?
It begins with the realization that courage is not the absence of fear, but the determination to press on in spite of it. A vision backed by a well thought-out strategy and plan of action. Still, unless you act, nothing happens. So there’s a point of hesitation…a moment of resolution that hangs in the balance.
Although fear is often along for the ride, it need not drive your decisions. But how do you know whether to take a leap of faith or not? The answer is you can’t. Not completely anyway. Because every risk carries a degree of uncertainty. But there are rules of thumb that will help. So let’s consider three possibilities to guide your decision process. 1. You have the will to succeed, but you are not fully committed to it. In this case, you may need to increase your skills and abilities, or strengthen an uncertain variable. Ask yourself if your fear is rooted in something that is reasonable or unreasonable? Is it immobilizing you to a point that it’s overpowering your desire? Do you require more experience or knowledge in a certain area to gain confidence that you will achieve the results you want?
2. You have a gut feeling that makes you uneasy although you can’t identify it exactly. As a general rule, follow your instincts because there’s a good chance they’re right. Consider putting things on hold to expand your awareness and seek different points of view. Another possibility is to try different approaches to a situation or activity.
3. Keep in mind that actions originate with thought and success is fueled by positive thinking. Earl Nightingale, a legend in personal development, summed it up in his famous quote: “You are what you think about most.” His advice has helped millions of people find success. To view his 3-minute video on The Strangest Secret visit: http://www.thestrangestsecretmovie.com Remember that every great leader has failed at some point. Consider it your preparation for success. Referring to his life as an inventor, Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Edison persisted until he succeeded. And he literally brightened our world. So can you.
©Copyright Mindscape | Essence of the Warrior Queen™
About the Author
Jennifer Touma is principle of Mindscape. She created the Essence of the Warrior Queen™: A New Breed of Woman leadership coaching and seminars exclusively for women driven to succeed in business, who want to connect with their own Warrior Queen Essence — Confident | Decisive | in Charge – No Matter WHAT.
She is a certified mental game coach, author, practicing Martial Artist black-belt, motivational speaker, host of the radio talk show host and hosted her own cable TV show in leadership. For more information visit http://www.mindscapemind.com
©2011 Copyright Mindscape | Essence of the Warrior Queen™
