Walking with Fear and Courage
July 11th, 2008
WORD COUNT: 429 Brief … Yet Spunky Words
TIME to GROW: * About 2 MINUTES *
There was a point in my life when I’d bristle upon hearing… what I thought was a rather trite, “feel the fear and do it anyway.” Yuck, easier said than done I’d think.
I’m glad to say that I’ve shifted perspectives. Don’t get me wrong, I completely understand what it’s like to be standing on the threshold of a new opportunity, but feeling uncertain and maybe even terrified to cross over. Many first-time public speakers feel that way. Can you relate?
We have countless moments in our lives in which we experience no fear. In fact, we jump in with both feet and don’t even give risks or “what will happen if” a second thought.
Yet there are other circumstances that can stop us cold.
Many business owners feel hair-straightening terror at the thought of making cold calls, networking in unfamiliar territory or when marketing a new product or service.
On the other hand, many of the things we now take for granted and even enjoy, were once the cause of great fear. Yet we went ahead and took those first steps, got on that bike, dove from the high dive and went on that first job interview. And in so doing, we expanded our comfort zones and therefore our opportunities to grow and experience life more fully.
Thanks to a trusted guide, I’m coming to understand that we must learn to consciously walk with fear and courage at the same time. We can’t have one without the other.
For what we do without fear, requires no courage.
Certainly, respect your feelings. Check in to see if there’s something lurking in the shadows. More often than not, there isn’t any real danger or anything that could cause physical harm.
I’m talking about the experiences that push us to the threshold of what we think we can do. This is when fear naturally crops up. If we’re not vigilant, we may unknowingly hide in procrastination, “busyness”, rationalization or total avoidance … all are simply fear
in disguise.
Is it worth walking with fear every now and then? I bet you say yes, because when you say NO to fear … you say YES to your dreams and YES to the courage that lies within you.
For it’s not the number of doors that are opened to you that matters. It’s the number of doors that you’re brave enough to walk through that becomes a life well-lived.
Embrace your dreams and expect the best!
Your friend and partner in daily discovery,
Laura
Copyright© Laura Cardone 2008. All Rights Reserved. This is a Daily Discovery Series edition. http://www.profitswithpurpose.com
is for enlightened business owners and professionals who are passionate about creating a successful business, AND a fulfilling and balanced life.
