I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t afraid of something. Maybe they are not afraid to jump out of an airplane but the idea of taking a financial risk like starting their own business terrifies them. Some are afraid of commitment; others sacrifice themselves everyday because they are afraid of letting people down. Fear prevents us from moving forward in our lives. It’s what keeps us in the same boring job instead of taking a risk and doing what we love.
My entire life I was afraid to ride a bike. When I was a child, I was not taught very well and one day I crashed riding my bike. That day I decided I would never ride again. This was difficult because when you’re a kid everyone rides their bike. My friends would ask me to ride and I would make up an excuse, never telling them the truth– that I was petrified.
As an adult who is constantly working on myself I knew I needed to face this bike riding fear. For my birthday I asked my husband to buy me a bike. Today I ride. I’m not a great rider– I’m still afraid to stand up on my bike while riding and I don’t want to ride next to cars. But I ride. When I’m flying down a big hill I feel so proud, so powerful. I conquered this fear myself.
When you face a fear head on and beat it, you become empowered. And then you feel stronger to face another fear.
So pick a fear, any fear and beat it. I know you can do it. Don’t be afraid! As FDR once said, “The only thing to fear is fear itself.”
