Fear is to be embraced
Let's talk about fear. The gut churning, sleep depriving, mind numbing demon that we all pretend not to know. It lurks inside our minds waiting to challenge us at our most vulnerable moments.
Fear. It is a delicious word that is rarely spoken aloud. To admit its existence is to admit weakness. Men, in particular, are conditioned not to show fear, lest they be construed as weak. As a consequence, they are more likely to be involved in risky behaviour. Backing down, especially when you're young is not the done thing. It's dumb, but it is as old as time itself. A young man's greatest fear is to be seen to be afraid. There is no greater insult than to be called a chicken, scaredy-cat, pussy or coward. As a young man, I would rather suffer severe physical punishment than to be branded "gutless."
So, we do dumb things and some of us pay a price that is taxed on our loved ones. We all have our tales and we all carry our scars.
Doubts and insecurities.
We are not infallible. There are responsibilities and obligations. Promises need to be kept. Sometimes, inevitably we wander down paths that could potentially compromise our circumstances. That's when fear really kicks in. It gnaws away and feeds upon our doubts and insecurities. Too often we try to metaphorically hide our fear under the bed. We don't bring it into the light of day and we dare not discuss it. Appearing to be out of control is something we don't want people close to us to see. So, we hide it in the dark recesses of our mind, where it continues to feast on our ever-growing insecurity.
That way there be dragons.
Embracing fear
There's a documentary movie featuring Muhammad Ali. In one unforgettable moment, the camera capture's the champion's face just before he is about to go to war with George Foreman. The look is unmistakable. It is pure terror. Foreman is bigger, presumably stronger and possibly could knock Ali into the next week Ali overcomes that fear, sticks to his plan and records a memorable and historic victory. He embraced the fear and let it drive him forward. He wouldn't let it paralyse him, he used it to motivate him.
I often think about what it would have been like to land on the beaches at Gallipoli and face near certain death or worse. I cannot imagine the courage that that took. Now, when confronted with challenging moments, I reflect upon the relative comfort of my position. What am I really afraid of?
Loss of face or reputation?
Failure?
Financial loss?
Looking like a fool?
Or my old heavyweight champion, being vulnerable?
Not only should I be big enough to work through each of these situations, but I should also be able to talk about my fears in a coherent and rational fashion. Talking is good. I do not do enough of it. I never have, but I'm working on it.
Fear is to be embraced, savoured and tested. It can't be hidden. In the end, it must be stared down and exposed to the truth. Whatever its shape, it looks a lot smaller and less threatening in the light.
Photo by Mart Production @ Pexels
Posted from my blog with Exxp : https://markhodgetts.com/fear-is-to-be-embraced/
First buddy you need to tell me how you got EXXP to work because I have been having the worst time with that plug-in.
Thanks for this post, I wrote a similar post a few months ago about how most fear is based in feelings of Lack, as you illustrated with your Ali comparison. Sometimes all we can see are the things and talents we lack, blinding us to all we have and are. AS you can tell I have grappled with Fear and Pain for a long time.
It is great you are using ListNerds to promote your Hive Blog.
Thank you Chris.
With EXXP, I had no trouble - once I had my posting key and my categories sorted I've recorded a short video of my settings - I hope that helps you out. I used YOuTube as 3Speak is hanging in cyberspace for me atm Video link
I'd like to see your blog post on fear, if you can point me in that direction I'd appreciate it.
Just found your post via Listnerds and feel that it deserves to be featured. Fear often times paralyzes us from doing anything. You are correct though. We need to acknowledge and face it. Most times, we realize it was not as bad as we thought it was. Much success to you.
Have a great week ahead!
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I like your article. I would have to say that fear is the biggest problem in the world today! Love overcomes fear in my belief.
Thank you
undoubtedly fear has become a commodity.
It's funny you put this in ListNerds because one of the biggest marketing lessons I ever learned...Was about fear.
I can't remember exactly where I read it but...The idea is, do what you fear in business and you'll notice something. You didn't die!
Do it again...You still don't die. But the more you do it, the better you get at it. Let fear drive your 'uncomfort levels'!
Yes - it's something that can be applied on multiple levels. The idea has been bubbling away for a while
Love the thought. I learned that about doing videos. The camera hasn't hurt me in any way.
I do the same process with my math students. They see a big problem and are afraid to even start. I wlk them through the process. There is no excuse for not starting. If nothing else, write down the information you are given. Everyone can do that. Look at the information and ask yourself what you can do with it. Try all your tools until something works. Business, math, life--they all reward the people who just keep pounding and refuse to give up.
Absolutely loved reading this, awesome read!
It's so true as well, and I loved that you shared this on Listnerds because that's what I've been trying to show people, you can share so many different topics there and benefit from the mailings. Even if that's about things you would not connect to email marketing in the first place. It's great that I see more people dare to send out other awesome content than a link to a website to sign up somewhere. This content, may be much more valuable long term.
Of course, upvoted on Listnerds as well!
Thank you Yes ListNerds has many applications that can be used in new and interesting ways. As @Jimmy.adames says it is an engagement tool. It is an important distinction to make.
Very interesting insight @markhodge
It is all about how you channel that fear
I would not have survived living on the streets with out some fear and i would not have survived if i had none there needed to be the right balance.
Have the best day😎
Yes Ben, channelling the fear is vital. Recognising it and facing it though is the first step. All too often as a young man, I did not or could not admit that I was afraid. That had really bad consequences for me.
Cheers
When ever I hear about fear it takes me back to years ago when I was into martial arts what my instructor told me. Fear is a natural reaction from your body informing you about a situation you are uncomfortable with, it's what you decide to do with that energy boost that matters. You can either shy away in fearing what could happen or you can channel the energy into something positive.
On point. 100%.
I made some really poor choices when I was a young person because I feared not fitting in. Sucked cuz I didn't even enjoy the things I was doing. Fear is a monster that is ever present. And not at all easy to defeat.
You and me both. It's probably part of growing up and becoming who we're meant to be. From my own POV, I had to sink to some pretty low depths before I realised my error.
Peace
Must be! I have to remind myself of that many times over because I actually like where I am now. But I wouldn't be here without all the rest of it. I am doing an offline job right now until tax season is over with. And it has made me realize that I am a little phobic about leaving the house. Can't have that. So it's good to get out periodically and break up my routine. Have an Awesome day! 😀
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Because this is such an awesome post, here is a BBH Tip for you.
. Keep up the fantastic work
You are right , facing your fear is a good idea and it made me think of a line from you'll never walk alone
And don't be afraid of the dark
At the end of the storm is a golden sky
You will generally be better of if you face and defeat your fear