Behavioral scientist James clear says: “Fear based decision-making is when you let your fears or worries dictate your actions or in most cases, your lack of action.”
An example would be: “I’d love to write a book, but what if people hate it? Maybe I should read more before I start writing.”
I’ve probably lost more than I’ve gained using that line of reasoning.
The one benefit of doing nothing is the assurance that nothing will happen, which is initially very comforting. But eventually those unfulfilled desires will begin to nag at you.
For instance, I always wanted to do theater. I went to an audition my freshmen year in college:
“Keep going,” the director said.
“I can’t do this,” I replied, and walked off stage.
I was 19. Now I’m in my forties doing theatre and loving it. They say it’s never too late and while that may be true, most of the people I’m performing with are 15 to 20 years younger than me.
We’ve all heard the famous acronym for fear: False Evidence Appearing Real.
The only ‘false evidence,’ was my lack of self-worth. It was easier to give up and imagine I could’ve been great, than to face the possibly of rejection and have to live with it.
Isaiah 41:10 says: “Fear not, for I am with you.” That is God saying he is always present, the Bible’s version of ‘just do it’…
Now imagine what amazing things God might have for us if we could be obedient to His word and not give into fear.
Jodie Stevens
This hits me right where I am living. At 68, I have just recently made a decision to face these insidious fears, damn the torpedoes and move forward. It truly is never too late. I truly believe that, while “numbering my days aright.” My thing is the writing. Read, read, read….Time to put most books down in favor of writing. I am going to start with a blog in the weeks ahead. your wonderfully simple blog and direct, poignant content has been one of the seeds to do this. Thank you!
This is great Rick! I can’t wait to read it!