We are all ruled, consumed, governed or controlled by one fear or another.
‘Perfect love casts out all fear’ is a verse out of the Bible and is a truth which is well worth paying much attention to.
It is good to remember that God’s gift to us is potential, and our gift back to Him is developing our potential. Fear dims our view and limits the development of our potential. It often causes us to be over-cautious, and to position tomorrow’s problems into today, even though we do not know what tomorrow may bring.
As I write this short essay, I am reminded of a morning when I was four weeks into my very aggressive stage four cancer treatment, which still had three weeks to go. I woke up feeling absolutely sick from all the radiation and chemo, and began wondering whether I had the strength to see the treatment through. I asked myself whether I had enough strength for today. The answer came from an internal voice which said: “You have enough strength for today; let tomorrow worry about itself”. So, the core message in this article is to not ‘over think’ the future.

We all live with some imposed limitations founded in fear. Many of these limitations are so deeply rooted, that we are not even aware of their existence. Some of them were imposed by tradition, or by our parents, our teachers, our friends, our failures, an accident, severe illness, or even by the threat of loss such as possessions, severe illness and death. The list of reasons for potential fear is almost endless, but in this short article, I will expose a few of the more common ones and hope to bring them to your attention for further action, if need be.

1. Fear of Failure

This is probably the fear which is most common in people and is therefore the biggest obstacle to a successful and fulfilling life. Most of us are brought up and taught to avoid failure, at almost any cost. At its worst, this kind of thinking brings about a life of mediocrity; a type of life where safety and security, or ‘playing it safe’ are deemed to be some sort of success; a type of life where people are unwilling to take the slightest risk in case the action does not have the desired result, or has a negative consequence. On the other hand, some people conquer some of their fears and enjoy a measure of success, but still don’t reach their potential, because there is still the fear of failure. These people have run out of courage for growth and have settled for where they are, because they have reached a comfort zone.
However, there are a few people who have realised that failure is okay, that it is inevitable, that it is part of the process, and that it is an essential ingredient for success. These people don’t intentionally chase failure, but they embrace it, reflect on it, learn from it, and continue chasing the dream. They are achievers and leaders who make a difference around them.
I personally grew up in a very strict environment, where corporal punishment was so readily dished out that I would do almost anything to avoid a beating. It took me years to understand the difference between punishment and correction. But this is a topic for another time.
How would you describe where are you in the above scenarios?
Would you like to move out of your comfort zone?
We can help fast track your progress.

2. Fear of Rejection

This is also a very common fear, and is associated with being ashamed, being compared, or being ridiculed. Many times this fear has very deep roots. Maybe you were disciplined in front of others when you were small, or in public in class or the playing field; maybe you were named and shamed. Maybe you were ridiculed at home. Whatever the reason, you worry about what others will think of you or about you if you step out of your lane or if you try something new and it does not work out the way it was supposed to.
This fear is preventing the natural growth process. Why is it so important to have other people’s approval? What would you try if there was no one around?
Social media is playing an ever-increasing role in everyone’s life. Please note that people publish the highs in their lives, the good times, the happy gatherings, the sporting milestones, etc, and seldom the tough experiences and failures. And yet we all spend more time in the valley than on the mountain tops. And everyone faces hardships. So you are not alone.
The only person you should compare yourself to is yourself.
Ask yourself these questions.
Am I better today than I was yesterday?
What am I doing today to ensure a better tomorrow?
We can help you through a process of intentional reflection and introspection.

3. Fear of commitment

This fear could also be named ‘Fear of the Unknown’ or ‘Fear of Change’. This fear touches many nerves, such as being overextended, or having to trade security, or being inadequate.
As a student of John Maxwell, and after years of introspection, much of which was forced on me by circumstances, I can confidently state the following:
You have to invest in your future with a time and financial investment, or nothing will change. You see, time and ageing are not a guarantee of growth, and hope is not a strategy.
You have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone. The path to success and fulfilment may involve giving up your safety net for the unknown.
Have a heart to heart with yourself. Be brutally honest.
Are you ready to shift from accidental growth to intentional growth?
There is the pain of change which is for a season, and the pain of regrets which lasts until you die. Which would you prefer?
We can help you to become more intentional about your life.

I am encouraged by a George Bernard Shaw quote which says: “A life spent making mistakes is not only more honourable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.”
We have touched on three limiting fears which affect many people, and there are many more to be explored. Are you ready?

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