Of all the primary emotions it is ‘fear’ that most constrains us, for many, it renders total inaction. And while fear haunts us all it's not something that we at The Mind Institute shy away from. We take a comprehensive look at fear in 'The Path through Depression'.

So let's have another look at fear. Fear rarely sits openly on the surface for all to see. It lurks as a shadowy uneasiness below deep within and only raises its ugly head when we are challenged or something containing risk is presented.

“Our tragedy is a general and universal physical fear so long sustained by now that we can even bear it... the basest of all things is to be afraid.”  William Faulkner

People are afraid of a whole myriad of other things…like death, being alone, change, not being liked or popular, not being successful, being successful, getting old, pain, not being smart enough, being seen as foolish or stupid and the list goes on and on.

The fact is fear doesn’t have to be a negative entity at all. Facing fear and developing an understanding of how to channel fear, regardless of what it is, will serve to help you prosper and grow.

Following I outline a few points of view that might help you to transform your fears into a powerful weapons that will help to elevate your performance, life and fortunes; not hasten your self destruction 

Fear is Useful

Fear actually serves a purpose. With regard to laws of nature it acts to protect us from doing silly things. It stops us from walking across the road in peak hour, putting our hand into a burning fire or jumping into the lion’s cage at the zoo. In terms of how you live your life it if you are living without fear then your life is probably way to safe…nothing is happening. Boring!

Once we understand that fear is actually placed within our hearts to protect and guide us we will find that we will actually embrace our fears, befriend them, speak to them and seek their help so we can channel them to our benefit. 

Expose Fear

Fear loses much of its power when a bright light is shined on it. If you stand there and confront it, look it fair and square in the eyes it has a tendency to either evaporate or diminish dramatically.

“Most fears cannot withstand the test of careful scrutiny and analysis. When we expose our fears to the light of thoughtful examination they usually just evaporate.” Jack Canfield

How often have you had the experience of being terrified of something until you actually summoned the courage to do it? Then after you looked back and wondered to yourself what all the fuss was about. Everybody experiences this, yet those that face fear with courage and strong preparation that progress while the rest are like stunned rabbits in the trucks lights; disaster approaches.

Fear is Disconnection 

The universe is really one pulsing connected organism. Those that are truly connected experience and enjoy this ‘oneness’ without fear. Those that are disconnected live deep in fears grasp. For example, if in a sales situation our objective is at odds with that of the person we are selling to then we are disconnected. We know it and it manifests fear in our interaction. The outcome will most likely be unfavourable.

If you approach the same situation with unity of purpose and your product or service best fulfills that purpose then it will be clear to the customer how much he will benefit from taking up your offer and desperation and persuasiveness will not be required. Fear will not enter or play a role and success will be a constant friend.

Be Detached

Fear flourishes in an environment that is outcome focused. When you are so acutely aware and emotionally attached to what you want the result to be…whether you get the sale, win the account or get the girl, then your actions and mindset with be at the mercy of fear.

“To work without attachment is to work without the expectation of reward or fear of any punishment in this world or the next. Work so done is a means to the end, and God is the end.” Ramakrishna

When you disconnect from the outcomes, when you are not at all concerned with the result then you will experience no fear leaving you focused on what you have to do. It really is all about the journey or preparation, not the destination that matters most.

Disregard Fear

If we truly understand that fear itself is the issue and not what will actually transpire then by treating fear simply as an ‘emotional state of uneasiness’ we are able to disregard it and centre our attention on our desires.

“When desire dies, fear is born” Baltsar Gracian

Most of our fears actually never amount to anything. Take your mind back and examine when your deepest fear actually became a reality. Be careful to give your fears to much credence for if you do then you are the one that gives them power. By disregarding them you disarm them.

Action Negates Fear

Fear lives and thrives where there is a lack of clarity, purpose and inaction. Those that are aware of their fears yet still have dreams and goals, make plans and boldly take action to achieve them put fear in its place.

“Necessity of action takes away the fear of the act, and makes bold resolution the favorite of fortune” Francis Quarles

While fear is necessary in our lives those that will propel their lives ahead and fulfill their dreams and desires are those that understand and master their own fears. Take your fears and use them, make them your friend, embrace them and they will become a powerful force for good in your life, not a force that constrains you.

posted 2010 Jun 30 by Glen Campbell