Fear + Courage = Success

I am the lion. The lion needs courage.

I have found myself in the midst of personal turmoil — and one that cannot be elaborated, but simply respected. During these most recent trials and tribulations: anxiety, heartache, and fear have become prevalent. This, combined with an unusual lack of confidence has ridden me with doubt. Stop. This isn't about pity, this is about strength. And this is not easy.

Does this fear of failure or rejection lead toward inherent inadequacy? — do we lust for a comfort found only in familiarity? Are we content with hiding emotion to protect our image?

Fear. It's safer to follow trends than take chances, it's safer to conform than stand out, and it's safer to follow than lead. Fear is safe.

How often do we provoke genuine thought and spark conversation? If goals can be achieved with little effort, are our goals big enough? Should we inspire, influence, and lead?

It's not easy.

This article is selfish. No, it's not written for you. It's a reminder for myself to create a path filled with ambition. It is a reminder to bleed courage at all time.

Overwhelmed with emotions, I sought feedback. I asked fellow colleagues the meaning of fear, courage, and success. The following surfaced from Kimberly Daly Farrell:

Fear is a call to action. It is the feeling that precedes courage, and allows for the possibility of success.

By this logic, fear should be welcomed. It means that we have ventured on the path to success.The next step?

Courage . The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.

Allow that to settle for a moment.

What can you do right now to act with courage? Answer the following; honestly...

• Is my career stagnant or full of opportunity?
• Is fear limiting my success?
• Am I actively pursuing my dreams or waiting?
• Do I rise to the occasion or keep my head down?
• What mistakes do I continue to make and how can I better them?

Success. The favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors; the accomplishment of one's goals. I leave this here for aspiration — one's success is defined internally.

Does the future hold success? Uncertainty will always loom, but I have made a choice.

I am the lion — and I have been granted the gift of courage.

?About the Author

?Jacob Warwick is the founder of ThinkWarwick Communications, a strategic marketing company in Northern California. He specializes in content strategy and public relations for B2B software and tech organizations.

He crafts content strategies for notable clients that have included Under Armour, Xerox, and Uber. 

Jacob contributes to Forbes, Entrepreneur, Adweek, and several other publications to share his experiences from a decade in the marketing industry. Other expertise includes executive branding, marketing analytics, search engine optimization, and marketing program management. Reach him on Twitter @jacobwarwick or LinkedIn.