Fear is only as deep as the mind allows. - Japanese proverb

We've all felt fear before. It's natural. Fear over starting a new business venture. Fear of getting into a new relationship. Fear of going back to school after being out for many years. Scared that the dog next door is going to jump over the fence and bite you! There are so many different things that we are afraid of. But are you allowing your fear to keep you from fulfilling your potential?

I want to share an excerpt from my forthcoming book, Realize Your Personal Legend: Finding and Nurturing Your Life's Purpose, with you. This chapter is all about getting over your fear to do the work you are called to do. Enjoy!

It can be frightening to take a chance at doing something that you want to do. It’s scary because you don’t know what’s going to happen when you take a risk. Will your livelihood be threatened? Will your friends and family disapprove? Will you fail?

Staying in your comfort zone is easy. But, is your life about always getting things right? Or is it about learning lessons and gaining wisdom?

“The man who can control his thought can have and do what he wishes to have and do; everything is his for the asking.” – Ernest Holmes

Fear is crippling and can keep you from achieving your purpose. Fear is a byproduct of your thoughts. In order to get over fear you have to change how you think. It normally isn’t a reflection of your current reality, rather the anticipation of bad things happening in the future.

Check out the following acronym for fear. F: False E: Expectations A: Appearing R: Real

Erica Jong wrote in her book, “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway”, that successful people feel fear just like unsuccessful people do, but they move past it and go for their goals anyway.

Do you remember the elation you felt at accomplishing something you'd never thought possible before? Our fear challenges us to become more of what we can be. And even if you are not able to do what you attempt, or it does not work out the way you hoped, don't you learn something more about who you are? Don't you find out what you need to improve on? Of course you do!

So what are you waiting on? In the words of rapper Mystikal, "Don't be scurred!" There's a dream with your name on it! LET'S GO GET IT!

For the past few years Derek Felton has engaged audiences all over with his philosophies on Purpose, Passion, and Attitude. Affectionately known as “Mr. Positive”, Derek has an uncanny ability to relate to a wide range of people – from skeptical teenagers to worldly adults.

Derek Felton
http://www.derekfelton.com/