You have Nothing and Everything to Fear - So Use It!

Are you afraid of the dark? Do you remember that show? It was a kids' "Tales from the Crypt" that always had a somewhat happy ending. I guess they didn't want us to get too scared.

There is an awesome article in Communication Arts Issue 359, March/April 2008 by Bart Cleveland called Larry David Scares Me. He talks about fear and how it's a great motivator in us to do our best and be the best. One quote that I really liked is,

Fear can never be satiated. It is what great work needs most. If you are not afraid, you are doomed to mediocrity.

The article goes on about how fear can help facilitate great and new ideas. I liked thinking about a healthy dose of fear in this way. I do agree we have to allow ourselves to be unsettled when our careers become stale, when we need to take action, when things are doomed to mediocrity. However, let's not this fear stop us in our tracks.

I'm the oldest child and have always worried about taking care of everyone else. I'm a perfectionist and extremely detail-oriented. I tend to sweat until all the small things are in place. The truth is it's ok to make mistakes. It's ok to fail once in awhile. Actually, it is probably good to have some experience of failure to fuel our motivation, our understanding of ourselves and in someways confidence.

I guess the key is to not let fear get the best of us. But use it to better ourselves and drive our creativity and motivate you be the best you that you can possibly be.