Feel the Fear and do it any way! Today is all about fear. Not ignoring it. Not running from it. Not allowing it to take over my life and paralyze me. But acknowledging it for what it is, realizing the importance of it in my life, embracing it and working through it. Using FEAR as an important tool to move my life forward and create the most successful career possible. Fear actually is a lifesaver. Without fear we would all soon perish as we ventured out for a stroll on the freeway, casually leaned over the cliff a bit to far or played Russian roulette with our friends just for fun. A healthy dose of fear keeps your life in balance and out of harm’s way.
What is the difference between healthy fear and fear that debilitates and holds you back? It is a little bit like the difference between mischief and trouble. I tell my kids that I always want them to have mischief in their lives and I maintain a healthy dose of mischief myself. Mischief transforms into trouble though when you or someone else is hurt physically or psychologically as a result of your actions. Sometimes it is a fine line. A certain amount of fear or fear observed in the right way can be motivating, challenging and redefining resulting in forward movement pushing you closer to achieving your goals. To much fear can be paralyzing, causing you to stand still or even retreat backward away from the goals and dreams you set for yourself.
How do you ride the wave of fear to keep the right amount moving you forward but not go too far into the zone of fear that will shut you down? There are steps you can take and paths you can follow to reign in fear and use it rather than allowing it trample all over your dreams and desires. The first step to take is to acknowledge the fear and explore where it comes from. To often we try to convince ourselves and anyone else that will listen that we are not afraid, even as we stand there shaking in our boots. After the acknowledgement comes analysis. What will happen if the worst possible outcome we envision comes true?
Usually even the worst outcome will not produce the catastrophe that our unchecked mind will wander to. Do your best to minimize the fear by gathering as much information as possible before you find your self in a fearful situation. If possible get as much incremental experience as possible before leaping to the “big” experience. In the case of an Actor audition as much as possible for small local theatre before diving into a Broadway audition. If film is more your thing cut your teeth on dozens of student films before jumping into the big budget independent or studio feature arena. Whatever your goal or challenge keep venturing just outside your comfort zone to keep moving ahead and avoid the paralysis that results when you go too far too fast. If you are consistent and determined about moving ahead you will be surprised at how fearless you become when you look back at your journey.
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