When was the last time you were scared?
There are some fear-driven behaviors we barely notice and do every day such as buckling our seat belts, paying our bills, showing up to work, following the rules of the road. We do these things at least partly to avoid getting hurt or getting in trouble.
But what about the other stuff, the stuff that really scares you like telling your significant other that he/she hurt you, telling a family member that you don't like the way they treat you, asking for a raise, telling someone you really like them, asking for help? How often is there something you feel strongly about but don't give yourself permission to act upon because you're scared?
Fear influences a large amount of our behaviors, more often that we realize. We usually feel fear and stop, which is an old survival instinct; but rarely do we think through what we are really afraid of and what the worst is that could happen. What would happen if you told your significant other that you really wish they would listen more to you or hold you more often, asked for a raise, tried a new class or told someone that you like them? Sometimes the risk is bad and it's very smart to avoid it; but perhaps there are fears that stop you from living a fuller life.
Try something new this week: pick one thing you really want but are afraid to ask for. Ask yourself what the worst thing is that could happen and then decide if it's worth taking a chance.
