by Matt PrindleWhere do we start if we're trying to change our relationship with fear? It's hard to face it when it's breathing down on us.
As we prepare to embark on our brave adventure to more, we can set ourselves up for greater success by condition ourselves with these noble truths about fear. The more we understand a fear, the better we can navigate it.
1. Fear can’t be avoided.
As we begin to overcome a fear we've set out tackle, a newer bigger one will always be waiting. So rather than trying to ‘conquer fear' in general, we're going to be working on developing a healthier relationship with it. Then, regardless of what the next fear is, we will be better equipped to courageously navigate it.
2. Fear has a weak spot.
Being brave isn’t about becoming fearless, it’s about taking action even though you’re scared. Action cures fear. So as we venture into any brave endeavor, we are be developing habits and tactics that help us isolate a fear, understanding it, then take appropriate action while it's breathing down our neck.
3. Fear isn’t in control.
We always have a choice in how we respond when faced with fear. We can neglect what it's trying to say, or face it and grow as a result. By exercising the ability to respond mindfully to fear, rather than ignore or avoid it, our brave muscles strengthen and develop resilience to fear. Fear may be inevitable, but suffering is optional.
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”—VIKTOR FRANKL
4. Fear is on our side.
Our perspective of fear is ultimately what will determine our response. So it's critical to understand that fear exists as a survival mechanism to keep us safe. As we recognize why a fear arises, we can better understand if it’s a valid concern that should be listened to or if it’s no longer needed and can be let go of.
5. Fear is an opportunity.
Just as stress from physical exercise causes our muscles to grow, when we embrace pain in other areas of our life: we grow from it. Developing bravery is a slow, sustainable progression developed over stressful repetitions. Strengthening your brave muscle is simply a matter of cultivating the kind of compassionate courage to take action.
Condition yourself with these truths and you will be equipped to peacefully navigate any fear.
Thank you. Please check your grammar. The second point seemed awkward.
I shall know (discover), the truth and be released from the lies and deceptions that have kept me bound (a prisoner) of war, the war for the control of my life.
I really enjoyed this Matt. I definitly needed to read this tonight. As a single mother of 3 little ones, fear is a constant in my life. I may add overcoming fear to my 30 day challenge goal. I didnt realize that i was so afraid and was allowing fear to control my life, until just now. They have just became “My Normal” and I think it is about time i change that now. I want to Live, Thrive, and not be held back any longer.
Thanks Again!!
I am so glad to be part of this.I cant wait to see the new me after this…Thank you
Fear has frozen me in the past ….this is a great reminder that we can learn and not let fear freeze us…
Hi there, Paris here.
I love this. Initially I couldn’t tie in the two concepts; inspiration and fear but as I looked deeper I saw the correlation because actually what inspires me is to see others overcome their fears, to chase their goals and dreams and pursue those things that they love and then to see them succeed – THAT is truly inspiring. Fear is what always holds us back and why we need to be brave. I am in the Army and one of our core values is personal courage i.e. being brave and I’ve heard it all throughout my military career – especially in Basic Training. Personal courage is overcoming fear and adversity; doing those things we fear/facing the fear. It’s ok to be afraid. But don’t let it hold you back I was afraid to rappel from a 20ft or higher tower but I did it afraid and I survived lol. It’s a constant battle but when you win it’s so rewarding. I am excited to be on this journey. I have personal courage in certain areas of my life but in other areas it is lacking so that’s also why I decided to venture on this journey. Best of success to you all!
Physical pain has triggered a huge fear of my body not working correctly. Fear of being in more pain and it’s keeping me from doing what I want to do! Thank you for this!
I’m in the midst of huge transition… fear is all around me. I will be brave. Thanks for this challenge and your perspective!
I’ll never know what’s outside the door if I don’t open it and take the first step into my new life
Being part of this is wonderfull, and having people with the same goal to face fear makes me inspired and empowered to take that first step