Yes we are - you, me, him, her, and all the rest of them. We're afraid to step beyond our way of living, thinking, and believing. Most of us say we're not, but the evidence is clear.
Do some of us figure out HOW to walk towards that next level? Absolutely... but the majority have to be taught how to make it happen. I had to be taught, and still work on this fear on a daily basis. My mindset is challenged regularly, forcing me to focus on the probable future rather than the possible failure.
I'm not arrogant enough to avoid the mirror when making this statement. I'm one of the biggest culprits. I lived 2/3's of my life afraid of success and what it meant, both after and during the process. Achievement meant risk... risk meant failure... therefore, achievement had to mean failure. I was going to avoid that equation at all costs. Most of us do, either consciously or unconsciously.
"Success" simply means new, better, bigger... different. Our instincts try to avoid these new beginnings because of the inevitable short term pain that comes with the discovery. Hiding from bigger and better is a survival instinct. Our brain is doing it's best to shield us from hurt, but one thing I can guarantee: The next level can only arrive after the pain and struggle. Our job is to override this instinct, step past our old belief systems, and create new impulses.
Don't tell me you want success... do something about it! Risk what you're afraid to risk. Take steps that most tell you will be impossible and a wast of time. Your goal: New, bigger, better, and different. When you say you can't... do! When you think of the potential pain that could result... do! When they say don't... do!
Do it now before you wish you could've done...
Wow, this really hits home with me Dayne. I've been stalled on a business idea because I'm afraid to take the next step. Sure, some of it has to do with financial costs, but much of it is my lack of confidence in myself because I'm in uncharted waters. And perhaps of bit of pride knowing there are a few people who will say, "I told you so", if it doesn't work.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the boost. I'm printing this out as I type.
Matty... then, by all means... DO IT!!!
ReplyDeleteI think it's more of afraid of the failure that's stopping us from going further. What about our reputation, bank account, relationship, etc, etc. We don't realize failure is just one more step toward success.
ReplyDeleteFear of failure is a branch hanging from the Fear of success tree.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely more subtle... which is why it hits so many so hard.
"Do it now before you wish you could've done..."
ReplyDeleteThis was such a good post... but the most powerful sentence, to me, was the last one. It tells what will happen if we let fear win: regrets
Loretta
=^..^=
Always truth can be found in your pages, Dayne. So completely true. I am taking on challenges that I was fearful of for the longest time...until now. I am ecstatic to just do IT!, regardless of the outcome. When I complete this project it will *already* be a success in my eyes...:)
ReplyDeleteSo nice to re-visit YOU!
~Calli
Success is scary because change is scary. I think it's human nature to want to cling to the way things are.
ReplyDeleteA vert good post. There is a proverb also "Rise and awake till the goal is reached. I am 66 but still have the coursity to know what light is prevailing in the bodies of lives of this earth.
ReplyDeleteMr.Dayne Gingrich kindly try to go through my posts also.
Regards
Kirpal Singh