Don't let fear hold you back

As I consider why I have not achieved some of the things I wanted to over the past year I realize that in most cases if not all, I have been dogged by fear. I either did not begin or gave up because of fear of failure, fear of what others would think or say, even fear of success and having to maintain a particular standard. Fear, fear, fear.

The interesting fact is though that in most cases my fear was the only real challenge and turned out to be quite unfounded. Fear is natural and in some cases necessary for self preservation. To fear therefore is human. How one handles fear is what is important. If not faced, fear could actually create problems and hold you back. Unbridled fear stifles creativity, makes you panic which often prevents critical thinking. Unbridled fear simply paralyses.

When I have confronted my fears and chosen to act despite them I have proven over and over that:

1. The "problem" really was not as huge as I had thought
2. I was quite capable of handling whatever I was dreading
3. It is quite o.k. to be afraid, greater men have been afraid. But it does not end there. I must act despite the fear. It requires courage to rise above fear and to act
4. Once I decide to act, I find the means to overcome and to succeed
5. A little encouragement from people whom you trust and who believe in you really helps
   

For example In my work at Growth Facilitators I was introduced to group facilitation as a profession in which one develops and utilizes facilitation skills, tools and techniques to effectively enable group work and decision making. Although I was trained by capable professional facilitators and understudied them, when the time came for me to certify as a professional facilitator I actually put it off for a full year because I was afraid. I did not think I was ready or that I could do it. I was just petrified.

I was all set to defer it for another year but my co-workers would have none of it. They reminded me of my accomplishments and capabilities and encouraged me to step up to the challenge. Sooooo last year I took the plunge. Was I afraid? YES! But I did it and I am now an internationally certified Facilitator.

Naturally, I still am challenged daily with being fearful, but as I journey through life and continue to learn to overcome fear, I encourage you to join me as I encourage myself and you to:

• Stop looking for the problems........ seek out the opportunities and see the glass as half full and not half empty
• Believe in yourself - you either have the capability or can get it
• Don't be too hard on yourself. Accept your fear. If you succumb to it, forgive yourself. Be hopeful and remember that "God's mercies never come to an end but are new every morning". Move right on to your next challenge.
• Surround yourself with people whom you trust and who believe in you
• Do what you have to do - ACT!!!

God's richest blessings