Fear Factor

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in his inaugural address stated, "....the only thing we have to fear is fear itself...." What are YOU afraid of? Some fear success. Some fear failure. Some fear commitment, while others fear a lack of commitment. It is said that the fear of public speaking is the greatest fear of all. (From my personal vantage point, I find this difficult to comprehend). In my years on this speck in the universe, I have; however, come to one undeniable conclusion: Fear can either be a paralyzer or a motivator and THAT is dependent on you.

A few semesters ago, I had a bright student that was working on her last prerequisite for the nursing program. Three-fourths of the way through the course she disappeared. Several weeks later she contacted me to explain that, due to a domestic situation, she and her two children were now hiding in a shelter and she was planning on moving out of state and re-enrolling. (This was a situation that had been repeated for a number of years.) Her fear of an abusive individual was keeping her and her family on the run and away from her goals. Nothing that I could say could overcome the fear that she possessed. I failed that student that day as did the institution for which I worked. But just like every aspect of your life, eventually you have to turn and fight that fear.

Paralysis comes when you give into the fear. You can't make decisions, can't focus on the resolution, you just keep running (like a hamster in a wheel) and never get to your goal. You fear drives your every waking moment. If I don't pass, I can't get that job. If I don't get that job, I can't pay my bills. If I don't work, I can't pay for school that will lead me to a better job. If I don't tell this person how I feel, I'm going to loose them. If I don't fight for what I want, I'm going to loose everything.

Motivation comes when you recognize your fear and take steps to overcome it. A fear of failing is a great motivator to study, seek help, review problems, and create a plan of attack. If I need childcare, how can I get it and still afford to go to school? If my transportation is lost, how can I still do what I need to do? If I find this situation too difficult, what steps can I take to improve or change this situation?

Notice the difference between the two previous paragraphs? Paralysis leads to statements. (That many of us take as facts.) Motivation leads to questions about possibilities.

When someone else controls your fear you are NOT powerless. When you control your fear you are NOT powerless! Logical constructive planning will ultimately conquer your fear and drive your success. Which aspect of fear will you embrace?