We have several ideas that we want to explore. However, most of those ideas remain as ideas and never come to fruition. Why? Apart from determination, hard work, and every other key factor required to make us achieve our dreams, two major factors define exactly what you will become in life. These two major factors are Fear and Faith. Between these two, you have to choose one and whichever one you choose will determine the outcome of your journey in life.
What Is Fear And What Is Faith?
FEAR is a feeling induced by perceived danger or threat which can cause a change in behavior, such as fleeing, hiding, or freezing from perceived traumatic events. Fear is the mind’s way of telling us that danger or something bad lurks ahead. But whether justified or not, fear can wreak havoc in a person’s life. It can thwart your imaginations and choke your ambitions. Fear can make every obstacle seem insurmountable. Fear makes your problems seem bigger than they are. When you are fearful, you are hopeless.
Faith on the other hand is Trust, Assurance, and above all confidence in yourself and whatever you do. It is an unshakeable belief in your abilities and a determination to accomplish one’s goals. Note that Faith without work is dead and vice versa because faith is the driving force behind your hard work and efforts which eventually leads to success in all your endeavors.
They are like light and darkness, when light appears, darkness disappears. Same way, when faith takes over, fears run as fast and as far away as possible.
Just take some time to study this and you will notice that when your faith is strong, you will always be happy, confident, and energetic as each day approaches. You will always remain calm in the face of trials and adversities and you will be able to keep everything in control. But when you are afraid, you begin to get anxious and worried about the future and you become incapable of handling situations that may arise then. You end up making bad decisions and make little problems even worse through your reactions.
If you find yourself in a situation where you are doubtful, discouraged, worried, and anxious about the future and you feel incapable of handling your current challenges, then you are living in fear. Fear is always hanging around, ready and waiting patiently for you to let it in.
Both Fear and Faith are strong emotions capable of turning your life around. However, Fear is rooted in assumptions while Faith is rooted in hope and determination. Fear has a negative and devastating effect on its host while Faith has a positive and fulling result.
You have a business idea(s) and you are feeling reluctant to start. Each day you give yourself one thousand and one reasons why you should remain where you are. That is fear. Yes, you may not know where to start from, you may not have the resources and don’t even have an idea where to get support from. You may not even know how to go about it.
But those that justify sitting back and nurturing those ideas in your head without taking action? No way! Start from somewhere. The beginning may be rough and hectic but perseverance is key. Replace your Fears with Faith. Let your Faith transform into hard work and continue to work even harder. Never wait till you have it all before you start because that opportunity may never come.
Some people will say, “It’s easier said than done”. Who said that? Only fear makes you think that way. That is fear and it shouldn’t be found anywhere near you if you must succeed. If you are not ready to face your fears, you probably will never overcome them.
Now let’s take a look at some of the excuses you keep giving yourself as a result of FEAR and possible solutions:
1. I Don’t Know Where to Start From
Start from somewhere. Start from where you are right now. Search for people who have excelled in your field. Read about them and you will begin to have ideas of what to do. Just take a step forward and gradually, things will begin to unfold.
2. I Am Not an Expert
You don’t have to be an expert to start. One of the requirements for success is continued growth. Read, research, and develop yourself at the slightest opportunity. Liaise with those who know better than you, ask questions (of course while presenting yourself as an expert). There is nothing shameful about learning. Just keep striving for excellence.
3. What Will People Say
Forget about what people will say about your decisions. You know yourself and what you want better than anyone else. Do what gives you satisfaction. Some people may see you as crazy but that shouldn’t bother you. The result is what matters. Runaway from “comfort zone”. It is a dream killer and a function of FEAR. If you want to succeed in life, risk-taking should be part of your DNA.
4. Lack of Funding
Start with the little you have. A slow and steady way of achieving your dreams isn’t a bad idea. Gradually, with hard work and wisdom, you will grow bigger and better.
5. I am Afraid of Failure
FEAR of failure is one of the most common types of FEAR experienced by people. People FEAR that they may not be accepted and may end up failing. To overcome this, you first have to be confident in yourself and your abilities. Package yourself well and never belittle yourself. Do not be intimidated by the “so-called” experts because they all started as beginners.
5. What if I Don’t Start Making Money Immediately?
Some people venture into certain businesses or career paths with the mindset of money, money, money, and nothing else. Yes, money is good and that is something we all crave. However, are you willing to pay the price? The beginning may be rough, but let your good works speak for you. Once you channel your energy into doing quality work, you will be amazed at what follows. You can even volunteer to render your services for free to some people. Just derive joy in doing what you do and put in your best. If you are selling products, sell quality products at affordable prices. With time, you will become well established and people will begin to look for you. At this point, you already have loyal customers who are willing to buy from you at any price.
Finally, the choice is yours. Do you want to continue to live in Fear or do you want to choose the path of Faith? Choose wisely!
