Some people have a difficult time beginning a project, others – maintaining or staying on top of it, while others still struggle with endings or letting go. My thing has always been beginning. Usually what stops me and many others from beginning is fear. That dreaded 4 letter word. Some people have this fear thing down. They utilize certain mantras like: “Do something that scares you every day.” Or: “There’s nothing to fear but fear itself. So just do it.” Great. But if you have an overwhelming fear. These mantras ain’t gonna cut it. Yes, I said ain’t.

Fear is actually an awesome 4 letter word. Because fear can be the force that propels you to handle your sh–! I have a friend that says when she’s afraid she runs right to the thing with a lion’s roar. Rrrroarrrrrr!!! Literally. She will visualize that thing she’s supposed to get done and literally run to it, roaring low, deep and loud. Hmmm…I like it. Logistically speaking you have to find the right environment to make this work. So if you’re rarely alone – have children, etc. – this might not be the option for you. You’ll scare the poor dears half to death. Another way many have found to get over their fears is to journal about it, share the fears with a trusted friend, or just sweep it under the proverbial rug and hope it goes away – which doesn’t work at all of course. However, here are a few steps that might work…

#1 Admit you are afraid. Admit it and be free! Seriously. This may seem trite, but it’s a HUGE part of getting over something that scares you. Say it right now, “I am afraid of__” Good. That fear’s power has been diminished somewhat which is what you want. Now hang on a minute, don’t go to extremes and make it your theme song. You know what that looks like. You’re telling your friend, “I’m so afraid of swimming, no really. I am sooo afraid. Gurrrl, I got in the shallow end of the pool the other day – 4 ft, I damn near drowned. It was crazy. Anyway, you know they’re gonna write a book about me and my fears. Haha!” Not helpful. What I’m talking about is writing it down in a thoughtful way, telling a trusted friend or just admitting it to yourself. The great thing about telling a trusted friend is that they now have your back and will hold you accountable for this fear that you’re aiming to work through healthily. Which brings me to #2. Now you have to do something about it. Your fear has less power, your friend is telling you to go for it, now take the steps to do so. Depending on what the fear is this could take some doing. But do it. #3 Ask your friend to please hold you accountable for these steps. Work as a team. After that…the rest is gravy.

Believe in yourself. You were given talents, so it’s your duty to express them… and above all remember you’re not alone.

Filed under: INSPIRATION, WORK by myoshun