By Khaled Elmsari, AFS Community Expert
“We can’t escape fear. We can only transform it into a companion that accompanies us in all our exciting adventures; it is not an anchor holding us transfixed in one spot.” This quote from the book “Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway” is a perfect example of what happens to most people in life and business.
Fear is our natural reaction to danger. But honestly, at this point in world history, how much physical danger are we actually in? Fear paralyzes people from fulfilling their potential, from being themselves, from being successful.
In today’s society, fear has manifested itself as anxiety, depression, and feeling helpless. I believe that these three feelings are all a byproduct of a severe lack of control. Fear is stopping most people from taking control of their lives.
Fear is the reason you don’t get stuff done, the reason you miss a deadline. When you make something happen, not only does the fear of the situation go away, but also you get a big bonus: you do a lot toward building your self-confidence
Staying in your comfort zone is a surefire way to never grow, and will only result in getting the same results you are getting right now.
It’s time to take control…
The thing we can control – the mind-set with which we respond to the events around us. If we're able to overcome our anxieties and forge a fearless attitude towards life, something strange and remarkable can occur - that margin of control over circumstances increases.
There was a time in my life where I was depressed, anxious, and unhappy. It was directly related to the lack of control I had in my life, leading me to create a false story about myself. Words of defeat began to control my life. The “I can’t.” Or, “I should” filled my vocabulary.
The minute I TOOK CONTROL and changed the story, my life changed. I was happy, I made more money, I surrounded myself with like-minded people, and I rid my life of negativity. I rejected fear. Fear of particular situations dissolved when I finally confronted them. The “doing it” comes before the fear goes away. What situations do you need to confront? The greatest fear people have is that of being themselves. They do what everyone else does even if it doesn’t fit where and who they are.
Many business owners avoid fear, and by avoiding fear you are actually staying in your comfort zone. Staying in your comfort zone is a surefire way to never grow, and will only result in getting the same results you are getting right now.
When you feel FEAR you will move FORWARD!
When you feel FEAR you will EXPAND!
When you feel FEAR you will TAKE MASSIVE ACTION!
The fear we feel has been instilled in us by others. By our own stories. Others who have mastered mediocrity. Others who were too scared to start their own businesses. Others who have been paralyzed by their FEAR.
Here is to NOT FEARING.
Khaled Elmsari is a San Luis Obispo native and leader in the fitness industry for 10 years. He's also the Founder of the Nor-Cal Fitness Summit as well as a consulting business (RISE Fitness Business Coaching). Through these platforms he helps fitness entrepreneurs, 1-3 years into their business, lay the foundations needed to create a successful business.
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