False Expectations Appearing Real
Fear is the creation of an unwanted outcome within our imagination. Everyone has felt a level of fear at some point in his or her life and business. This scenario in our mind becomes more tangible the more energy we put into it. Fear may have a foundation or a basis in the past, but that does not determine the outcome in our future. It is our responsibility to overcome fear to reach a possible opportunity and outcome.
A group of four friends were on a road trip across the United States. At one point, the car got a flat tire in the middle of an 18-mile gravel road in the middle of the night. There was no cell reception and it was pitch black. All four of the travelers piled out of the car and worked together to use headlamps to read the owner’s manual, jack up the car and replace the tire. The next day, they stopped at a tire shop to get it patched. Two days and 600 miles later they realized the shop had forgotten to return their spare.
At the next crunch of gravel, one of the travelers promptly pulled the car over and got out, refusing to go any further.
He was paralyzed by his fear of getting another flat tire with no spare tire safety net. He literally could not move forward. To him, just the possibility, no matter how unlikely in reality, of getting a flat was enough to prevent him from advancing. Finally, another traveler got out of the car to reassure him they were going to make it to the campsite without any issues. It took patience and negotiation, but eventually both got back in the car and drove to the campsite.
Only 40% of the things we fear ever actually come true, even in cases like these where past experience indicate otherwise. We all have the power within us to push through fear. Sometimes, it takes admitting the fear to those around us who can support us and help us through. At other times, it’s encouragement , or even our own personal drive telling us we can be successful.
The key to ensure success in the face of fear is to embrace it and get through it, no matter what it takes.
The next morning the four travelers woke to a beautiful sunrise and an unforgettable drive through the Badlands. They made it to a place they had never been before and saw things they had never seen. All of this would have been missed if fear had overcome their drive to move forward the night before.
What was it that convinced the traveler to overcome his fear of another flat tire? It was confidence in his team’s ability to figure out any problem even if it did arise, and the reassurance of a positive outcome.
When has fear almost stopped you from moving forward into an opportunity? What did you do to overcome your fear? I would love to hear your story in the comments!