Action Conquers Fear

"Action conquers fear." -Peter Nivio Zarlenga

I read this inspirational quote for the first time a while back, and it stuck with me--it was what I needed just then.

Fear

Maybe you don’t think you are fearful person. Or you're afraid that you are. Fear manifests in many different ways. It is not just being jumpy, or afraid of zombies, usually we fear more abstract things.

Fear of failure.

Fear of other's opinions.

Fear of giving too much, or being too tired.

Fear of rejection.

Fear of disappointment.

Fear of success.

The list could go on and on…

According to Oxford dictionary, there are many definitions for the noun and verb fear:

  • An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat:

  • (fear for) A feeling of anxiety concerning the outcome of something or the safety and well-being of someone:

  • Be afraid of (someone or something) as likely to be dangerous, painful, or threatening:

  • Avoid or put off doing something because one is afraid:

  • Used to express regret or apology: "I fear I have not completed the project per your expectations"

I think it's interesting that we even use the word fear when we express regret. I believe this shows our deep thoughts--when we do and don't take action.

"Action conquers fear."

Don't get me wrong... I am NOT saying we should never think before we do things, or that we should rush ahead without forethought (usually). But neither should we spend all our time thinking and analyzing. To understand myself better I need to sort out and acknowledge what the fears are that keep me from doing/achieving/being. But in the end, knowing will not remove the fear. What does? Taking action. You can take action even without knowing why you are afraid. It is the shortcut to overcoming, and the most successful way to accomplishment.

Onward!