Act In Spite Of Fear

How do we achieve results? By taking action. Why do we take action? Because we feel like it. Why do we feel like it? Because we think about it. The formula for achieving results -- success -- is therefore a simple one: thoughts lead to feelings lead to actions lead to results.

But if success is so simple, why do so many people fail? The answer is often equally simple: fear.

Fear may be defined as "the anticipation of pain," the threat of dire future consequences. But the future hasn't happened yet; it doesn't exist. In this sense, fear itself doesn't exist.

Of course, fear can be a good thing. Would we walk through a cage of ravenous lions? Why not? Because we're afraid of getting hurt, and rightly so.

Fear is a protective defense mechanism. Unfortunately, sometimes it's a little too protective. It constantly anticipates the worst possible outcome -- failure. The only option it leaves open to avoid the failure is to avoid the action. Do nothing and nothing bad will happen.

Unchecked, fear shorts out the success formula. We have the right thoughts and feelings, the desire for success, but we never reach the results because fear prevents us from acting. Our fear of failure becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. We do nothing and nothing good happens.

"He who fears he will suffer, already suffers from his fear."
-- French essayist Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592)

The key is to act in spite of fear. Recognize that fear is an important defense mechanism, but one that must be controlled, that must not be allowed to control you. Even highly successful people experience fear; they succeed by acting in spite of their fear. So can you.

"Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action."
-- British statesman and author Benjamin Disraeli (1804 -1881)

Focus... This month, think of your dreams, your relationships, your career, your recreation. Are you letting fear prevent you from acting, from reaching your peak potential? How would you act if you didn't have that fear? Act that way, and watch as miracles unfold.