Fear - Forces of Mediocrity Pt. 5

by Aubrey Patterson and Melody Stacy

There is an old saying that worry is interest paid in advance on something you may never own. 

Fear freezes and often leads to futility. This is true for individuals and especially debilitating in organizations. Overthinking often breeds mediocrity, keeping us safely in our comfort zones.

Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy. (Dale Carnegie)

A great way to conquer our worries is to focus on the purpose that led to the fear in the first place.

Facing our fears

A fireman doesn't run into a burning building to save someone because he isn't afraid, but because his purpose is much greater than his fears. 

Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. (MLK Jr)

With most great stories, one of the first battles a hero faces is against fear.

In "The King's Speech," the English king feels compelled to speak to the world and overcome his stammer. George VI faces a radio microphone, knowing full well that the entire empire is listening to his every word.

To do anything remarkable, we must assume and embrace risk.

Fear is always a travel companion on the path to greatness, but if we accept discomfort as the price of progress, then we can kick fear to the curb as we build momentum with each necessary action.

The more we tackle our fears, the more confident, thoughtful, and joyful we become.

There are people who are always anticipating trouble, and in this way they manage to enjoy many sorrows that never really happen to them. (Josh Billings)

And, of course, as we model courageous and optimistic leadership, we inspire others to take uncomfortable steps too. 

Everyone feels fear. When we put that fear out front, we can avoid it becoming one of our greatest forces of mediocrity.