Do you recognize fear?
To many, when you hear the word “fear” the image that appears in our mind’s eye is a person cowering from that which they are afraid. But 21st century, 1st world fear is more coy than that. It disguises itself under political correctness, common courtesy and everyday responsibilities.
You don’t take that risk because the bills are paid. You don’t have that fierce conversation because you don’t want to hurt their feelings or risk losing a friend. You don’t stand for your convictions because it will make you unpopular.
Fear is your guardian and your confidant. The problem is you are drowning in a serene pool of mediocrity, knowing the vines of obscurity will rescue you.
In a country where the question “What would you do if you knew you wouldn’t fail?” is the essence of an opening monologue of any motivational speaker, fear still reigns in our hearts. We won’t take the chance and hope our progeny will do better. But what are we teaching them?
We make excuses; blame the other guy, our boss or the president – yet there is no one to blame but ourselves. We may have reasons for our circumstances but no excuse not to change them. A hardened will and determination are the foundation in which the creativity to solve our problems is built.
You will never find a safe way to get all you want in life; you will have to take a risk and make a sacrifice. But in retrospect, the risk will be nothing more than step towards your destiny.