What is Fear?

By definition Fear is an emotion induced by a perceived threat that causes entities to quickly pull away from it and usually hide.

Some may say Fear is a useful emotion and that without it, we would not be able to protect ourselves from danger. The truth is, in these days the amount of real danger we face is not nearly enough to justify the degree to which Fear influences our lives and the decisions we make. You don’t need Fear to keep your hand away from fire, just a basic level of intelligence and common sense.

Common Types of Fear

However we continue to live in a society dominated by Fear.

We fear being alone  – So we get involved and stay in relationships that do us more harm than good.

We fear being judged – So we keep appearances, we buy expensive clothes, we lie, etc.

We fear failure – So we don’t take risks, we stay “safe” and complain about our life instead.

We fear appearing vulnerable – So we put up walls, we don’t show emotion and true compassion towards others.

We fear feeling worthless – So we judge others to make ourselves feel better, We look outside for something to cover up what we lack inside.

Do I have a Choice?

The key in the definition of Fear is “perceived threat”, this implies that our interpretation of a situation is what causes us to feel Fear more than the situation itself. Although most situations are not directly in our control,  the way in which we perceive them is. This means we have a choice, and if you can chose, would you chose to be afraid, or would you chose to rise above it?

Fear of Failure in your Fitness Journey

For example, If you know you are out of shape and your health and life expectancy will sooner or later be affected by this, yet you do nothing about it, a form of fear is holding you back. The fear of being judged, or appearing vulnerable in the eyes of others, the fear of trying to get healthy and not seeing results in 2 weeks… in all truth these perceived threats are nothing compared to the real threat you face by not taking action: deterioration of your health and diminished quality of life.

Fear of feeling worthless

In relationships, you may stay in a relationship not because it helps you become a better person and grow together, but because it covers up the void you feel when you don’t have someone by your side or because you fear feeling worthless and unattractive. Or the opposite may happen, you may sabotage every relationship because you fear opening up will make you vulnerable and potentially lead to being hurt. Is there a real threat here? None, except for the ego.

OK now what?

The good news is, we can all transcend the fear based ego. All we need to do is pay attention to our inner though processes. Whenever there is too much thinking Fear usually creeps in, but even then there is hope. You can still feel the fear AND take action in spite of it. When you feel this fear coming in face it, acknowledge it. Don’t feed it with your thoughts, but don’t run from it either. Question it, ask yourself… what am I afraid of? Feel… don’t think. Dig deep and you will find it is the Ego that is afraid, not You.  Since You are in charge, not your ego, you can chose to reject those thoughts of fear and doubt and simply take action. The only difference between being afraid of something new and being excited about it is your attitude. After all is better to face your fear once, than forever live with it.

Remember, our days in this life are limited. Put yourself out there, face your fears, live your life, don’t just go through the motions!

“Do the thing you fear, and the death of Fear is certain” R.W. Emmerson

Do Not Give Up

-Miguel Diaz