Why does fear paralyze us? As I was thinking about Fear, the game Whack-a-Mole came to mind. My second thought was sadness for the mole (sorry but I’m an animal lover).
Fear is a vital response to physical and emotional danger. The term ‘anxiety disorder’ refers to specific psychiatric disorders that involve extreme FEAR or worry. So why does fear paralyze us? For the same reason anxiety does …
WE FEED IT. We allow or avoid fears to build by behaving in a way that temporary decreases our fear/anxiety. For example, you are afraid of social situations- so you avoid going out where you are surround by a lot of people – this of course decreases your anxiety (temporarily) until you are invited to another social event.
Do we over complicate fear? YES. Both fear and anxiety is overcomplicated by emotions and your imagination. Think about the Whack-a-Mole game again.
Anyway let’s say Fear is the Mole, always popping up in a different place at a different time, right? Sometimes it’s hard to deal with it. And this led me to think about the importance of dealing with your fears or the unpleasant in our lives- quickly and directly.
The ONLY way to decrease fear or anxiety is to deal with it quickly and directly. Just do it! Nike had it right. Fear makes you wait. Don’t wait, the time is now. ACTION is fear’s worst nightmare. Fear and anxiety CANNOT exist at the same time as action. Sometimes it is hard and scary but you need to face your fears. Being outside of your comfort zone is an amazing place.
The point of the game…whack the fear.
So, my challenge to you …… stay focused, predict the fear, and whack it. You will always have fear, but do not let that fear get in your way, you’ve got the whacker – now use it!
👊🏻
