I had a great conversation with a close friend of mine a few days ago where we talked about fear within the context of progress.
I thought about fear and it struck me... what does it really mean when we remain in fear?
Not just our natural experiences of isolated instances of fear, but a persistence in that state that then permeates the way we make decisions about everything.
What drives fear?
Why do we allow it to overshadow our potential excellence ans success?
Why must our ambitions remain dreams because we are drowning in ...."but what if?"
Fear is such a real force!
It is potentially a force so powerful it can be paralyzing if not controlled and redirected.
It can literally mean the difference between the success of one person and the failure of another, whom otherwise have similar resources, skills and talents at their disposal.
"Success is the progressive realization of a worthy goal or ideal." - Earl Nightingale
With this definition, how then can success - progress - step by step accomplishments - be achieved if no action is taken because fear holds us back?
When we outline our fears, they tend to stem from a mistrust of the unknown.
In my opinion, fear comes down to a lack of faith in the potential outcome of an endeavor. A mental premise predetermines that the worst case is a greater possibility than the most favorable result, or both are equally likely.
In essence, the mental dialogue may sound like this:
"Things can turn out really well, but then again they may fail. I would rather not experience the possibility of failing at all than making an effort to potentially win."
That leads to the argument that if each possibility exists simply in potential form before action is taken, why will we not act to allow one to manifest?
The answer to this, I strongly believe lies in the power of our faith.
How strong is our Faith?
Faith in God's ability to truly do the naturally inconceivable.
Faith in His Power.
Faith in His Faithfulness.
Faith in ourselves - as connected to the omnipotent divine source - as human beings created to have dominion on earth - as deserving of abundance even while serving others.
I am beginning to understand Faith as being a real catalyst for action - it is one of the most powerful forces to employ to remove fear.
In a perfect world, Faith would instantly abolish the crippling restrictions that fear can truly have over your life, and realizing potential.
But in our humanity, the absolute Faith needed to overcome many of strongest drawbacks is just not present. Or, it is in such feeble supply that it wavers constantly.
Our Faith is literally has to wrestle - daily, hourly, by the minute - with the countless variety of distractions that take away from making meaningful progress. The distractions are so ingeniously designed too! They tend to show up in two primary forms:
1) They mask themselves in well meaning "constructive criticism" from friends and family who may not be able to conceive how your vision could be realized.
2) They are present in continuous negative self-talk with opposing arguments replete with self-conjured reasons why "the risk" may be too great - or the reward to impressive for us to be deserving.
But why not us?
Why not YOU?
Why not ME?!
If we are truly created in the image and likeness of God to rule and have dominion on earth (Genesis 1:26), then why do we constantly operate in so much fear?
Why are we not like Abraham, holding on to God's promises and the knowledge of His true and divine power with unwavering faith?
"Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God; being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." (Romans 4: 20-21)
Why do we waver, and procrastinate, and sometimes completely refuse to move forward when- if we truly seek guidance and wisdom from God, our source - he will order our steps and direct our paths?
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
If we truly believe that God is our source, provider, light and in whom we have been imaged, then why the hesitation, why the fear, why the lack of action when led to do so?
Now, purposeful action, meaningful small steps, does not mean a stumble-free journey with no hiccups? In listening to discussions with successful people from all walks of life, one of the most distinguishing traits is the willingness to "fail forward."
It takes real faith to do that - to take action knowing that you do not have all the answers.
Our faith needs to be strong enough to understand we need not live and think consistently in fear. Operating in fear will keep us stagnant and confused. We need to trust in divine guidance, focus on our goals and take right action!
Prove God! Let the energy of your faith propel you towards your goal by taking each next necessary step. I listened to an interview with Oprah Winfrey recently where she shared stories about her continued success. She spoke about "taking the next best step and the next best step and the next best step."
At the most basic level, that is all she did with her team. They kept taking action, "the next best step", consistently. The results speak for themselves. Accumulated right action must create results. However, nothing will be done if we remain in fear and confusion. Our journey to self- actualization must be grounded in faith - filled action.
Face and release Fear - Strengthen your Faith - Take Action.
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Be sure to share your comments as we journey to self-actualization together!
- Catique B.
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