I’ve read that perfection is the enemy of progress. You can spend so much time focused on making sure everything is exemplary, that nothing ever gets truly done.
At its core, this phenomenon is all about fear.
We can spend so much of our lives shrouded in fear, that we are unable to experience the beauty of God’s moments. We fail to see, hear and ultimately embrace the quiet gifts He continually bestows upon us.
Fear, can become our center. We live to prevent rather than to embrace.
So, what are we afraid of?
We are afraid of the possibility of:
Failure
Finality
Change
Conflict
Harm
Judgement
Challenge
Pain
Discomfort
Isolation
Etc……….
I use the word POSSIBILITY, because so much of our fear is based on what CAN happen – Not on what is actually happening. Somehow, the perception of what can be manifests itself as our reality.
In the end, Fear is a construct that defines potential outcomes. In no way can we predict with certainty that our fears are justified.
The mind amazingly can take thoughts, and their corresponding feelings, weaving them into our reality. The resulting impact on our senses is amazingly powerful.
Whenever my mind is filled with fearful thoughts, I like to collect and read sites and affirmations. Here are a few of that have stuck with me:
“Fear defeats more people than any other one thing in the world.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
- Nelson Mandela
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be?”
- Marianne Williamson
“The enemy is fear. We think it is hate, but it is fear.”
- Gandhi
So, what are some ways to deal with fear? Here are a few I find helpful:
- Identifing the source of your fear: Understanding its root cause can help you to address it more effectively. Ask yourself what exactly you’re afraid of and try to identify the triggers that lead to fearful thoughts.
- Challenging your negative thoughts: When you experience fearful thoughts, try to challenge them by questioning their validity. Ask yourself if there’s any evidence to support the thought, or if you’re simply making assumptions.
- Practicing relaxation techniques: Try deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation. All have been proven to help calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
- Reframing your thoughts: Instead of focusing on the worst-case scenario, try reframing your thoughts in a more positive way. For example, instead of thinking “I’m going to fail,” try to think “I’ve faced challenges before and I can handle this.”
- Seeking support: Talk to someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or therapist. Talking can help you to process your fears and develop strategies for managing them.
