What is fear's purpose? How do you handle it? While I am
working in my pest control business, I meet people on an
almost daily basis who are influenced by negative fear
thoughts regarding pests invading their premises. A good
size spider, rat, or unexpected insect can set someone off
pretty quickly, and literally immobilize them. It consumes
their thoughts to the point where they have trouble thinking
about anything else.
Thinking about why people do this, makes me wonder about the
purpose of Fear emotions. I really started wondering as to
how many people really do allow Fear, anxiety, worry, etc.
to freeze them into inaction in everyday life. They achieve
a very negative result, one which I have to think, is not
what they really want.
Fear - What is it's purpose? Do you let fear immobilize you
or do you act in spite of it, safely, consciously aware of
why it is there?
Personally, I look upon fear as a positive emotion. I know
that uncontrolled this emotion can breed many negative
results. But when controlled, this emotion can spur you
into action like no other I know of. And I think that this
is truly the reason for fear. Think of it as your best
friend, preparing you for progress. Make friends with the
unknown.
We should acknowledge the fear we are experiencing. Allow
that it is a positive thing within us that warns us of some
impending danger or harm. And then, analyze it to see if it
is real or imagined, justified or not. When we recognize
it's positive intent, it is no longer something to
immobilize us, but quite the reverse, we can jump into
action to remedy 'why' we are fearful.
I think that it is the inaction bred by over-analyzing, by
focusing on the fear, actually dwelling on it, imagining
the 'what ifs', that keeps us from taking the actions
necessary to move though it. We need to process it, not
dwell in it. I'm sure everyone has heard the old expression,
'A coward dies a thousand deaths, a brave person, only one.'
We do not want to hold the FEAR thought. That is not what it
is there for.
As long as we focus on the positive intent a fearful state
represents, rather on the fear itself, we can question
ourselves as to what this fear is trying to tell us to do,
and take the necessary actions to protect ourselves or
blast us though this perceived barrier.
All we have to know is, `What is really going on here?'
What do I need to do in order for me to feel better about
moving forward? Or do I really need to back off from this
course? Do I need to take another smaller action (baby
step) or do I just need to change my perception about what
is going on here?
Then, move forward in some direction no matter how small a
step it seems. Usually just taking action and the momentum
you gain and feel, will free you from the fearful,
concerned, worried feeling you had.
Do you have something bothering you, or something you have
been putting off, or dreading? Something you know you must
do, but just haven't been able to face up to the task? Break
it down until there is something you can move forward with.
Take it in baby steps, take action. Do it and then
celebrate the victory! Feel your confidence grow!
Your mind can only hold one thought at a time. Make it an
action thought that empowers you.
This is only one person's opinion, but I feel it is better
to believe in something beneficial that I can take control of,
rather than be at it's mercy!.
Al Smith, Copyright 2005
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Al Smith writes for and publishes The
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Realgoalgetter Website. His articles deal with goal setting,
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