Being Afraid is Good

Many of my greatest times in life have come from fear. Being so helplessly afraid that it almost paralyzed me. Whether this was before a big wrestling match, or before an important exam, or asking someone out, or starting a new workout program. Having a sense of fear makes you realize that this thing or event IS IMPORTANT! Without feeling this nervousness then we may lose our drive. Without noticing our fearful feelings then beginning these new endeavors lose meaning. Think about it. If everything was easy and we never felt anxious or nervous then tasks become meaningless. Events become trivial. Progress would halt because we have became comfortable where we are at currently. I am terrified of becoming stagnant and losing my "feeling" so I try to find that right "comfort zone of uncomfortableness"! Does your intense, planned workout scare you? Good! Are you nervous about your upcoming job interview? Good! This gives us the push to be better. To overcome.

I am sure we have all heard the story of Icarus. His father made him wings so that they could escape Crete. But there were two rules, even though most people only think of one. Rule #1 was not to fly too high as the sun may melt the wax used to hold the wings together. This is the story most of us have heard. This is the story that many world leaders want us to hear: "Sure you can fly, but don't fly too high! Stay in your place. Don't get greedy"! But rule #2 is much more important: DON'T FLY TOO LOW or the sea's water would dampen the wings rendering them ineffective. This is often overlooked mainly because a lot of people don't want to see you succeed. They want you to fly low. So that they can feel better about themselves flying low as well.

By avoiding our feelings of fear or nervousness then we are flying too low. By accepting that where we are in life is it and there's nothing that can be done is unacceptable. It's not always easy to know where to fly or how to get there. And it is completely normal to feel anxious about flying a little higher. But once we reach that new level then fear and anxiety transforms into happiness and pride. Then it's time to start planning to reach a new level. Again and again. If it seems impossible at first then find a coach, mentor, trainer, or teacher. Once you realize the word impossible is completely opinion based then you're on your way!