Seven Secrets for Inspired Success
Secret Two

The second secret is to embrace fear. New thoughts and the resulting new actions will naturally create fear. Fear, though, is nothing to be afraid of. I know this may sound odd but read on. To create a new relationship with fear what we must do it to think of fear differently.

Let's talk about who we are. We're a brilliant mix of creative freedom, habit and ego. Our habits are very helpful. They are the reason I was able to get out of bed this morning and begin my day without relearning a host of tasks like brushing my teeth and putting on my shoes. I have learned many actions that are the repetitive framework from which I function. This is good. Our personality finds great comfort in these functional habits.

We must be aware though, that these habits, mixed with our self-centered personality, become a powerful force we call ego. That ego, if left unchecked, creates a mind of its own which enjoys the power that it exerts over our creative freedom. When we challenge that ego with new thoughts and beliefs, it revolts. "I'm in charge here!" it says indignantly. "If you make this change, I won't be in control! Stop! Go back! We don't know what the outcome will be. Stay put! Don't rock the boat!" Our ego triggers our fear, which causes us to feel uncomfortable with change or risk. Often, people retreat to the known, still feeling dissatisfied but at least feeling safe. I'm encouraging you to resist your inclination to retreat, understand what is happening and move forward confidently.

Being a visual person I look at it this way...Imagine your life as a box. Inside that box you keep a collection of all of your habits, current results and present day thinking. This is your comfort zone. On the outside of the box you have pictures of all of your dreams and your personal potential. The only way for you to create a bigger life is for you to leave the comfort of the familiar. New thoughts create the bridge for each of us to get out of the boxes we've created and climb over the edge to freedom. Your ego will call to you telling you the bridge is faulty and that there is a troll living under it that you'll never get past. It's triggering your fear and reminding you of past mishaps.

Fear does have value. It causes your senses to be heightened when you are lost in the forest so that you can find your way back to the trail but remember it is only a tool, not a decision maker. In the case of you releasing your potential, it's keeping you in a situation that holds you to a reality without growth. Understand the feeling, acknowledge it and remind it that you are in charge, not it. Focus on all of your past bridge crossing success, see the adventure of the journey, put one foot in front of the other and embrace change.