We live in uncertain times with our economies going into uncharted territory. You can feel the heightened sense of fear. Many are afraid of loosing the things they have. All of us can choose to embrace change or fight it. Change is inevitable. It is the only constant. We’ve always had the power to make change happen ourselves and fulfill our dreams. The one thing that holds us back is our own fear.
The natural dualities of Fear & Unafraid
The red light of Fear
Fear stops us doing things. We fear loss, we fear failure and we even fear success. Fear is not a bad response. It stops us getting physically hurt. But it also stops us taking risks. And without taking some risks we remain stationary. I believe over coming fear is one of the most important things in life. That is, if you want to learn and grow before you die.
Fear slowed me down
In my last employment I spend six years looking out the window. Waiting for the pay check every month. Accepting their rules in return for the money. Don’t get me wrong it was a great job but in the end it was holding me back. Stopping my creative ideas. Fear stopped me changing. I overcame that fear and now I’m on a roller coast of a ride with my startup. Change is constant. Uncertainty is guaranteed. Unfortunately there is a price to pay for this thrill ride. My hard earned life savings are rapidly dwindling. Has it been worth it? Hell, yeah.
The stuff you own, owns you
Here is a great movie quote:“You’re not your job. You’re not how much money you have in the bank. You’re not the car you drive. You’re not the contents of your wallet. You’re not your f*cking khakis.” Fight Club the movie is grotesquely violent but the point is not lost. Another has quoted on this: “When we talk about fear, risk, mistakes, and losing it all, what are we really afraid of? Are we defined by the stuff we own, or would we prefer to be defined by what we accomplish and create for the world?’
Positive fear
In Pamela Slim’s short video on ‘The Upside of Fear‘ she believes fear is good for learning and growing. So when that storm cloud of fear gathers over you, don’t panic, embrace fear. This is the story of Jeffery Walker who is fighting Cancer for the 4th time. Cancer is bad… very, very bad. But Jeffery sees the good. The Cancer is changing him physically and mentally. It’s also changing many around him. When I interviewed Jeffery last year I saw a man who enjoyed every little experience and everything he saw.
Fear is self-fulfilling. The shrinks call this a ‘self-fulfilling prophecy‘. Whether we are in a recession or not, fear is a natural constant. In my experience don’t fight fear, get over it. Close your eyes. See your vision of the future and jump. Don’t hesitate or fear will have you in its grip. Good things will come, sooner or later.
Afterall, we only have one life, so live it 
March 27, 2009 at 4:02 pm |
Nick — Hope you’re well. Thanks for the kind thoughts. I really appreciate it. I am doing well. Live strong — Jeffrey
March 27, 2009 at 4:39 pm |
Hi Jeffrey,
I’m fine. As you know I’ve put a comment on your Living with Cancer in Silicon Valley post but I felt compelled to write more. Very pleased your doing well. Live strong.
Nick
May 6, 2009 at 11:33 am |
[...] Recognise when it is time to ‘shoot the entrepreneur’ – A hard choice. Not all entrepreneurs can manage a growing business. Recognise this before the VC does and kicks you out. Don’t be afraid. [...]
June 2, 2009 at 9:03 am |
[...] The academics say entrepreneurs don’t see their actions as taking risks. The entrepreneur sees their decisions as calculated judgements. “isn’t it a risk staying in your job year after year” I heard. My more sympathetic friends tell me how brave I am having a startup, especially with a young family. In fact, people have been telling me how ‘Brave’ I am for years. Like when I moved to London OR when I left a well paid job in London to go traveling for a year. “I wish I could do that”. Well you can!! Live your dreams and don’t let fear rule you. [...]
June 25, 2009 at 12:33 pm |
[...] being in us all; learning how to pitch an idea through repeatedly trying and failing; learning to over come your fears to live your dreams; Rachel Elnaugh’s learning experiences; and anyone can learn to be a [...]
July 21, 2009 at 3:23 pm |
[...] to try – Some startups have heaps of ideas but don’t actually implement a single one. Fear of failure may hold them back or they run out of enthusiasm as the reality of the challenge kicks in. Be [...]
January 7, 2010 at 3:55 pm |
[...] in the past or you will just stay there lost. We can choose to hold onto negative emotions such as fear, doubt and anger or let them go and fulfill your dreams doing something you really enjoy. I regard making [...]