Overcome The Bridge Of Fear

Overcome  The Bridge of Fear

“Ultimately we know deeply that the other side of every fear is a freedom.”
-Marilyn Ferguson:

Fear is a common thread which holds us together.  We all experience it.  It doesn’t matter how old we are or where we are in our lives, we all fear something.  The difference between people, those who achieve their goals and attain the wealth they desire and those who do not, is what they do with their fear.

Types of Fear

The dictionary defines fear as:
a. A feeling of agitation and anxiety caused by the presence or imminence of danger.
b. A state or condition marked by this feeling: living in fear.
2. A feeling of disquiet or apprehension: a fear of looking foolish.
3. Extreme reverence or awe, as toward a supreme power.
4. A reason for dread or apprehension: Being alone is my greatest fear.

Not all fears, as you can see, are created equal.   Fearing for your life as a semi-truck comes barreling down the road toward you is quite different than a fear of public speaking though both inspire the same physical response – increased heart rate, sweating, tightening of muscles, rapid breathing and so on.

One fear may save your life the other…well the other simply causes missed opportunities, loss of confidence, and a significantly slower path to success.  If you want to achieve your wealth goals and create the life you desire – you have to not only face your fears, you have to overcome them.

In Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill lists 6 types of fear:
1.    Fear of Poverty
2.    Fear of Criticism
3.    Fear of Ill Health
4.    Fear of loss of love of someone
5.    Fear of Old Age
6.    Fear of Death

Fear, is a state of mind.  Nothing more nothing less.  The good news…you are in control of your state of mind.

One great exercise for this is – “What’s the worst that could happen?”  When you’re fearing a confrontation, making a decision, taking a financial risk or whatever decision you may be having to make which is causing anxiety and fear ask yourself, “What is the worst that could happen?”

Then proceed to answer it.  Lay it all out on the line.  For example, if you have an opportunity to get your book out in front of people and have been invited to speak to 1000 conference attendees and you’re terrified of making a fool of yourself then the worst that could happen is that you make a total fool of yourself, right?  You could stumble over your words, lose your place and in short be completely ineffective.

Now look at the flip side – what’s the best that could happen?  Conversely, you could give great speech, win over the crowd and sell more books than you have printed.  Sounds pretty good, right?  You’re also so impressive that handfuls of people approach you with new opportunities.  Score!

Indecision Breeds Doubt and Fear

It all begins with your attitude.  Make a decision to be successful.  Make a decision to set aside all doubts and fears, or better yet to not let them into your thought process at all.  Indecision, according to Napoleon Hill and many other wealth creation experts, crystallizes into doubt.  The two blend and become fear.

Fear, as you well know, gets in the way of accomplishing great things.  It prevents you from acting.  And as you may also know – money likes speed.  The more you hesitate, the more indecisive you are – the longer the road to financial success and great wealth.

There are many symptoms of fear – it’s these very symptoms which cause lack.  They include:
–    Indifference
–    Indecision
–    Doubt
–    Worry
–    Too cautious
–    Procrastination

Each of these symptoms is a road block to wealth creation.  Feel any of these symptoms coming on and you must absolutely stop and assess.  Where is the symptom coming from?  What are you afraid of?  Once you’re able to determine the fear you can then begin to change your perspective by asking that question – what’s the worst that could happen?

Once you know the worst, you can then prepare for the best.  You can then set aside your fear or overcome it.  Our logical mind can be both a hindrance and a help – the key is to use it to your advantage.  Recognize when your thoughts are limiting your success.  Ask yourself the following questions:

–    Am I complaining about someone or something?

–    Am I blaming someone or something?

–    Am I self-medicating to avoid thinking/feeling something?

–    Am I annoyed by someone or something?

–    Am I avoiding someone/something?  Procrastinating?

If you find yourself answering yes to anyone of those questions know that you have the tools right now to change your perspective.  To change you can:

–    Change the words you use – problems become opportunities and a complaint becomes a request.

–    Be grateful for what you presently have and look at each difficulty as an opportunity to learn and grow.

–    Remember that you’re responsible for all that you create in your life and you’re capable of creating amazing and seemingly impossible things – including great wealth.

“Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem to be more afraid of life than death”
-James F. Bymes

Fear is perhaps the most difficult roadblock to attaining great wealth. It’s a natural human reaction.  It’s not all bad – it’s useful to protect ourselves from harm and death.  However much of the fear we feel has little or nothing to do with injury or death but rather we’re protecting ourselves from perceived emotional injury, from perceived financial injury and by and large to protect our pride our ego.

Would you really let a potential slice to your ego or emotions prohibit you from attaining all you desire?  Of course not!  When those little seeds of fear surface, recognize them for what they are, turn them around or set them aside, and continue on your confident path toward your goals – whatever they may be.

Enjoy Your Success!