FEAR: A Tool For Success

Fear, a simple word, with the depth of the abyss. At some point in life, we have been faced with fear. At that moment, we were presented with a choice — to run from it or to confront it. 

Consider this; fear while an emotional response to the unknown, can be used as a tool. A tool for course correction in one's life. When you muster the courage to lean into your fear, you are guaranteed new life lessons.

Here are three things we must remember about fear

Fear is excitement in disguise

Most of us live our lives inside a comfort zone for the simple reason that it offers you security and familiarity. That is the single most dangerous place to be in if you are ever hoping to better your life. Let’s take the example of skydiving. The idea of stepping off a plane at 14,000 feet altitude into nothingness evokes two completely different responses in two people. One is excited and raring to go, and the other is frozen with fear! Whether you experience fear or excitement really just depends on the lens you choose to look through, at the world.

'Fear is just excitement in need of an attitude adjustment.’ – A Keeper’s Truth

What doesn’t paralyse you, energises you

My experience tells me that fear makes an appearance usually when we are pursuing something we truly want. Like when you are about to embark on a major transition in your life. The fear of the unknown, the fear of failure... The way I see it if you experience fear at such an important juncture, it is usually a sign you are on the right track! In a sense, fear shows us the way. It reveals something we need to work on. The question is - What are you going to do with it? Do you allow it to paralyse you, or guide you? Allow your fear to be an energising force that propels you forward.

Fear is a great motivator for growth

As humans, we are hardwired to seek familiarity and predictability. There is a sense of security in knowing and using that insight to control certain outcomes. What we don't realise is that this comfort zone is only an illusion. Much like a child's security blanket. But unless you learn to let go of that security blanket, you will never know what lies on the other side.

A life of predictability is not a life of growth. Your life can only expand as your courage and willingness to grow expands. Leaning into fear is hard to do because it makes us vulnerable. When you take that leap, sometimes you fly, but sometimes you crash and burn. In both cases, you are guaranteed to end up in a new place.

Do one thing every day that scares you. - Eleanor Roosevelt

Adapted from the original article published on: The Ladders