Only thing to fear…

Who hasn’t  heard the famous quote from Franklin Roosevelt about fear? However, where I want to begin goes beyond the short version: the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. The entire quote is: Linked Here

 

So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.

 

What particularly strikes me follows the portion we all know (and perhaps love?). First, “nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror” articulates the vast majority of fears humans face in the 21st century, since long gone are most dangers that caused our evolutionary fear. 

 

On the other hand, “paralyzes needed efforts” has become vastly easier in modern day with the infinite distractions, intentional or unintentional, that are at our fingertips. Yes, I fully recognize my blog may be contributing to paralysis by providing a profoundly entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable distraction. In my defense, the recognition this provides will help in the long run? Right? Right? 

 

Finally, “convert retreat into advance”, which is my favorite part. The rest of the quote is fantastic; however, inaction leads to the same fears, and as long as we keep retreating, the fear wins. After all, it can feel like a battle at times, right? 

As I was thinking about this first post, I was engaged in my own battle with fear….

• It is Nameless because it was coming from within my own mind. I was actually defending my goals against part of my brain telling me I will fail.
  
• It is Unreasoning since my brain wasn’t provide logical reason, rather I was doomed to failure simply because I was trying
• Unjustified in that I believe I am a good writer, able to provide uniquely interesting perspectives in a thoughtfully constructed manner.

I win jerk! 

 

Then I laughed to myself, looking around because I was on a walk and probably looked a little maniacal. I was not going to let this fear paralyze me. I have dreams that go well beyond this one post, and I am not ready to give up on everything because of one post. 

 

So I started thinking about fear itself, specifically how to convert retreat into advance. How do I disarm this unproductive fear? I thought back to some of the biggest fears I’ve overcome (this post is getting long enough, so watch for this next week), and I realized all I needed was to find my first step. After that, I was committed! Next thought to come to mind was turning fear into an acronym* that would stand as a quick reminder that we can overcome it. Here is what I came up with:

 

Finding

Enough to

Avoid

Retreat

 

This next week, I challenge everyone to think about times they overcame fears, the bigger the better. Try to isolate the very first thing that started you on your way. As I mentioned above, I will elaborate next week on this topic, because a legit fear of mine (reasonable and justified) is having enough good ideas to keep this interesting. 

 

Until then….have an amazing week everyone!!