A Lean Journey 
On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.
“Fear is only as deep as the mind allows.” — Japanese Proverb
Fear is the number one issue that paralyzes someone when it comes to change. Fear is absolutely normal emotion. Even the best experience fear from time to time. The key is to not let fear hold you back and prevent you from taking action and go after what you want in life. Getting through fear is a skill that anyone can learn.
Here are three helpful facts to keep in mind when overcoming fear:
1. Fears are common. Everyone experiences fear at some time or another. Your fear indicates that you’re stretching yourself, which is a good thing. Do not judge yourself harshly if you are afraid. Don’t shrink from your fears or wallow in them, confront the situations and people you fear. Use the adrenaline they produce to motivate you to action. When you exercise control over fears, you are exercising one of your greatest personal powers … the power to choose.
2. Fears are often unfounded. We typically believe that the object of our fear can do more harm to us than it actually can. Former United States President Franklin Roosevelt’s famous words, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” accurately describes most situations. Examine the source of your fear and consider the worst that could happen if it became a reality. Then, plan how you will minimize the risk and potential damage.
3. Fears are thoughts. You have tremendous power to control your thoughts. Replace fearful thinking with positive thinking. Saturate your mind with your dreams, goals, and values. Remember that confronting fear is a sign of progress and a valuable learning experience. Every time you overcome a fear, you strengthen your ability to overcome future fears.
It’s important to overcome these paralyzing fears so that you can move forward with your life and reach your goals.
Here are three helpful facts to keep in mind when overcoming fear:
1. Fears are common. Everyone experiences fear at some time or another. Your fear indicates that you’re stretching yourself, which is a good thing. Do not judge yourself harshly if you are afraid. Don’t shrink from your fears or wallow in them, confront the situations and people you fear. Use the adrenaline they produce to motivate you to action. When you exercise control over fears, you are exercising one of your greatest personal powers … the power to choose.
2. Fears are often unfounded. We typically believe that the object of our fear can do more harm to us than it actually can. Former United States President Franklin Roosevelt’s famous words, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” accurately describes most situations. Examine the source of your fear and consider the worst that could happen if it became a reality. Then, plan how you will minimize the risk and potential damage.
3. Fears are thoughts. You have tremendous power to control your thoughts. Replace fearful thinking with positive thinking. Saturate your mind with your dreams, goals, and values. Remember that confronting fear is a sign of progress and a valuable learning experience. Every time you overcome a fear, you strengthen your ability to overcome future fears.
It’s important to overcome these paralyzing fears so that you can move forward with your life and reach your goals.
Leave a Comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *