I know, I know. You’re not afraid of anything. None of us are, right?
But if you are willing to let down your guard, I think you will see that, like everyone else, there are things that scare you.
In fact, I argue that many of our issues, problems, and stresses are ultimately caused by fear.
The problem is, this isn’t obvious.
Usually we get mad about something, or feel judged by someone, or blame the world for problems that come up.
But underlying all of these superficial expressions is fear.
Fear of abandonment. Fear of failure. Fear of not being loved. Fear of dying or being harmed.
Apparently, psychologists view fear as being from one of these five sources:
- Fear of extinction. Death. Ceasing to be alive.
- Fear of mutilation. Losing a limb. Being unable to do all the things we normally do.
- Fear of loss of autonomy. Being unable to take care of yourself or accomplish your goals yourself. Being controlled.
- Fear of separation. Being rejected by your tribe, cast out.
- Fear of ego-death. Shame leading you to feel like you have no value.
It’s pretty easy for me to fit most of my problems into one of these fears.
The problem is, few of us want to admit we are afraid of anything, much less that fear is the cause of most of our discomfort.
This week I talk about this and how we can use fear to drive us toward achievement and possibility.