March 20, 2012

Is It Worth It?

Last week I wrote about the danger of walking into and through fear just to prove you can overcome what might be holding you back.  I wrote that fear often serves as a warning to slow down to get you to think before you proceed.  Here are some things to consider before deciding to break through the fear and continue to pursue that thing that seems like your dream.

 

1. What is the source of the fear?  If the source of your fear comes from old tapes someone has ingrained in you, it is a good idea to not let that stop you.  For example, let’s say you want to go back to school but others are saying you’re too old or it wouldn’t be worth it, then it is time to name that as their stuff and not let it stop you.  Or perhaps you were told as a child that you’re not smart enough to get that degree you want, then giving in to that would be allowing someone else control of your life.

2.What do YOU really think?  If you eliminated the input from everyone else in your life, is this thing you are deciding to do really what you want?  Sometimes our motivation to step into fear and accomplish something is to prove our worth to ourselves or someone else.  If either of those is the motivation, it is best to put those plans on hold until you figure out if what you want is really what you want.  You are good enough!  You don’t need to prove your worth to anyone else or yourself.

3.  What is the cost?  Consider the likely outcome of your decision, both good and bad.  Will it cost more financially, physically, spiritually, or emotionally than it is worth?  If so, then just doing something to prove you can overcome your fear isn’t wise in this case.

After considering these three areas, if you want to do something and the cost is worth it but the only thing holding you back is your own fear of failure, then by all means push yourself to fight the forces holding you back.  That is true bravery!