Fear.
We fear…and we fear…and we fear.
It’s what keeps many of us from doing what we should be doing. It’s what paralyzes us from going into all the world and making disciples.
It’s what cripples us from creating art and initiating change that matters.
Think about it. Rather than attacking our fear, we surrender to it and live boring lives.
Fear masks itself in comfortable tasks that, on the surface, appear worthwhile.
You’re probably doing what’s easy when you should be doing difficult work.
There’s no fear in posting to Twitter or Facebook.
There’s no fear in surfing the web.
There’s no fear in doing what you’ve always done.
But I’d imagine there’s fear in doing what you know you should be doing.
Fear And Its Many Faces
We’re afraid to fail.
To succeed.
To put ourselves out there.
To share our art with others.
To be incompetent.
Oh, the many faces of fear.
I’m working on a few big projects right now. I’m writing my first ebook. I’m working on a worship recording. I’m launching a new fall season of a young adult ministry.
I’m afraid of it all. Some days I wish I could just stay home and watch TV. But I’m slaying the demon of self-doubt and I’m going for it.
5 Ways To Beat Fear
Here’s how I’m turning my fear on its head and how you can too:
How do you beat fear?
1. Learn to ignore it.
Take a quiet moment and write down what you fear the most whether it’s the book you need to write, the song you need to finish, the album you need to record, the creative project that’s collecting dust under your excuses.
I’ve learned that fear will always be there. The battle is in defining it and ignoring it. This comes with practice. The next time you sense that resistance to do your work, just tell yourself this is probably worth doing. Ignore the fear and keep going. Don’t think about it too much.
2. Write out the worst case scenarios.
What would happen if you completely and utterly failed? I watched a video interview with Tim Ferris and he described how this exercise keeps him ahead. Often we are afraid to try anything because we don’t know how bad it would be if we failed.
Go ahead and alleviate that stress by writing down the worst case scenario. This will cut down on your fear because you’ll know how to bounce back if it actually happens.
3. The more you ship, the better you’ll get.
In order to create your masterpiece, you’re going to have to ship a lot of work. The blog posts I wrote two years ago are shameful compared to what I right now.
I’m sure it’s similar with you. The art you created last year has probably matured. The problem is, if you never ship, you never grow. Shipping is another way of punching fear in the face. The more you ship your art, the better chance your art has of getting better.
4. Rest in the love of God
There’s nothing quite like knowing the love of God – being overwhelmed by the love of God. Think about it. No matter what happens – you become wildly successful or you end up homeless with nothing, the love of God never changes.
Get to know that love every day. It’s inexhaustible.
5. Consider the cost of doing nothing
You may think that by doing nothing you are protecting yourself. But think about the end of your life. What gain is there in keeping quiet and playing it safe? I’d rather be known for seeing the need and taking action.
I’d rather be known for failing often and getting back up. I’d rather be known for facing my fear and arising victorious.
What about you? What are you currently fearing? How are you going to beat it? Let us know in the comments.
For further reading:
Photo Credit: Derek J by Phil Watt (sxc.hu)
I think my families’ lives are about to change. I think there is a whole new season of ministry on the horizon for us. While I am waiting for that new season to make itself known, I am already confident that my current season has come to a close. I hold on though. I have yet to let it go.
I fear what might happen if I go ahead and let it go not knowing what that next season is. I fear being an irresponsible provider.
Sounds scary and exciting all at the same time! Fear of the unknown is huge. But hey, you’re living the adventure, right?
I should be shipping my book in about 2 weeks now. I’ve sent if off to a a few who are brutally honest for feedback. Kinda afraid of what they will say.
But…
When I realize that my heart and soul is in this project the demon is slayed.
Good point, Michael. Brutally honest feedback can only make you better, though it stings like crazy. I’m really excited for your book, bro.
You’re right. We all are scared of failure. Great tips. Thanks for this post David!
Thanks for reading, Rochelle!
Perfect line … “we surrender to it and live boring lives.” That is one of the things I am most passionate about – the enemy wants us to live the status quo while God wants us to soar like eagles. Thanks for expressing so clearly the truth about fear.
Thanks Lyn! How do you teach people to break out of the status quo? I’d be interested in hearing your perspective.
I agree, if only Christians wouldn’t buy into the lie of status quo and start living the abundant life God wants for us maybe this world would have less fear.
“I didn’t fail. I just found ten thousand ways that didn’t work.” Thomas Edison
I try to remember that when I get really afraid I am going to fail at something.
Right now I am battling the fear of never getting my book published. My faith is being stretched and my limits pushed…it’s a wonderful time of personal growth…I just wish some of the growing pains weren’t so, well, painful!
Love that Edison quote. I might put that up on my wall.
Why don’t you think your book will get published?
It’s not really that I don’t think it will get published, that is just a lie Satan is trying to convince me of (he can be pretty good at times).
I truly believe God inspired me to write this and I believe he will bless my efforts, but when I read hundreds of other people who say the same thing and they have been trying to get published for years, it starts to worry me a little.
I don’t know anyone in the book industry (and that seems to help from what I have gathered) and have been trying to learn everything I can about finding agents and sending out a great proposals/query letters.
About 4-6 weeks ago I sent some out to various agents, now I am waiting for a reply. Prayers and any advice you might have would be nice.
Have you considered self publishing?
I have thought about it, thank you for the suggestion. I don’t know much about it, but I don’t know much about any of it really, right now I’m praying and seeking God’s direction. For the most part I have peace, but occasionally Satan likes to throw doubts my way. I just have to remember, it’s not about me, it’s about God and what he wants.