What is fear's purpose? How do you handle it? While I am

working in my pest control business, I meet people on an

almost daily basis who are influenced by negative fear

thoughts regarding pests invading their premises. A good

size spider, rat, or unexpected insect can set someone off

pretty quickly, and literally immobilize them. It consumes

their thoughts to the point where they have trouble thinking

about anything else. Thinking about why people do this, makes me wonder about the

purpose of Fear emotions. I really started wondering as to

how many people really do allow Fear, anxiety, worry, etc.

to freeze them into inaction in everyday life. They achieve

a very negative result, one which I have to think, is not

what they really want. Fear - What is it's purpose? Do you let fear immobilize you

or do you act in spite of it, safely, consciously aware of

why it is there?Personally, I look upon fear as a positive emotion. I know

that uncontrolled this emotion can breed many negative

results. But when controlled, this emotion can spur you

into action like no other I know of. And I think that this

is truly the reason for fear. Think of it as your best

friend, preparing you for progress. Make friends with the

unknown. We should acknowledge the fear we are experiencing. Allow

that it is a positive thing within us that warns us of some

impending danger or harm. And then, analyze it to see if it

is real or imagined, justified or not. When we recognize

it's positive intent, it is no longer something to

immobilize us, but quite the reverse, we can jump into

action to remedy 'why' we are fearful. I think that it is the inaction bred by over-analyzing, by

focusing on the fear, actually dwelling on it, imagining

the 'what ifs', that keeps us from taking the actions

necessary to move though it. We need to process it, not

dwell in it. I'm sure everyone has heard the old expression,

'A coward dies a thousand deaths, a brave person, only one. '

We do not want to hold the FEAR thought. That is not what it

is there for. As long as we focus on the positive intent a fearful state

represents, rather on the fear itself, we can question

ourselves as to what this fear is trying to tell us to do,

and take the necessary actions to protect ourselves or

blast us though this perceived barrier. All we have to know is, `What is really going on here?'

What do I need to do in order for me to feel better about

moving forward? Or do I really need to back off from this

course? Do I need to take another smaller action (baby

step) or do I just need to change my perception about what

is going on here?Then, move forward in some direction no matter how small a

step it seems. Usually just taking action and the momentum

you gain and feel, will free you from the fearful,

concerned, worried feeling you had. Do you have something bothering you, or something you have

been putting off, or dreading? Something you know you must

do, but just haven't been able to face up to the task? Break

it down until there is something you can move forward with.

Take it in baby steps, take action. Do it and then

celebrate the victory! Feel your confidence grow!Your mind can only hold one thought at a time. Make it an

action thought that empowers you. This is only one person's opinion, but I feel it is better

to believe in something beneficial that I can take control of,

rather than be at it's mercy!. Al Smith, Copyright 2005ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Al Smith writes for and publishes The

Realgoalgetter Blog, The Realgoalgetter Ezine and The

Realgoalgetter Website. His articles deal with goal setting,

self improvement, and motivation. Subscribe FREE to The

Realgoalgetter Ezine at: http://www. realgoalgetter. com/ezines/

-----------------------------------------------------------

This article is available for reprint in your publication

free as long as it is kept intact and the resource box is

included with active links back to our website. Please send

a courtesy email and let us know where you have placed the

article. Thank you. Mail to: alsmith@realgoalgetter. com

Author:
Al Smith