Finding Encouragement in Fear

For my tip this week I’m addressing a topic I’ve covered before: fear.

Fear plays a large role in our lives and can prevent us from accomplishing things we dream about and things we know we can do. But it can also play a role in encouraging us.

For most of us our challenge is not in addressing sudden fears (like being bitten by a spider) but the ones that hang with us, permeate our thinking and become a habit and a way of life. These are the fears that keep us stuck, preventing us from making decisions and moving forward with our longings and dreams.

I always find comfort in the shared human experience. What do I mean by that and what does that have to do with fear? Am I happy other people are fearful? Absolutely not. My work is about helping people move away from – or perhaps a better way to say it – to take action in spite of their fears!

What I am saying is that if I know and see others deal with the same thing I do, then I am reminded that this is part of being human and I find strength and encouragement in that. I remember that I am not alone and that everyone deals with some of the same fear-based thoughts and feelings. I regularly read and hear comments that reinforce this idea.

Here is an example:

Although Jefferson Mays is a veteran Broadway and Tony award-winning actor, he writes that his longevity and successes don’t make stepping out on stage every night any easier.

“It’s akin to leaping out the door of an airplane without your parachute. I’ve been acting for what – a quarter of a century? – but I still have butterflies in my stomach.”

Reminder: Feel the fear and do it anyway!

Producer Jordan Roth, owner and operator of five Broadway theaters that has produced multiple hits says he knows the anguish of seeing a show he loves fail to connect.

“When your love and the audiences love don’t match, it can be really painful – for everybody.”

But that doesn’t stop him from waking up the next day and preparing for that next big opening night.

Reminder: Reframe your idea of “failure” and keep going.

David Byrne from the Talking Heads, continues to be a prolific creator, writing books and off-Broadway musicals among other things.

“I get a lot of ‘Whoa, no’ when I pitch my ideas. But someone eventually says yes.”

Reminder: There’s a time to listen and a time to ignore other’s opinions (the trick is knowing when – but that’s another post…)

And perhaps my favorite comment comes from Tom Brady:

“I have to work my butt off all week and work really hard to get to the game feeling confident with what I am trying to accomplish and get down the field to score some points.”

Really? He can make his game look so easy!

Reminder: There is no substitute for dedication and effort.

What do you think? Do you have a favorite shared human experience story? As always I welcome your thoughts and feedback.

Thanks,

Gigi