What is fear's purpose? How do you handle it? While I am working in my pest control business, I meet people on an almost daily basis who are influenced by negative fear thoughts regarding pests invading their premises. A good size spider, rat, or unexpected insect can set someone off pretty quickly, and literally immobilize them. It consumes their thoughts to the point where they have trouble thinking about anything else.

Thinking about why people do this, makes me wonder about the purpose of Fear emotions. I really started wondering as to how many people really do allow Fear, anxiety, worry, etc. to freeze them into inaction in everyday life. They achieve a very negative result, one which I have to think, is not what they really want.

Fear - What is it's purpose? Do you let fear immobilize you or do you act in spite of it, safely, consciously aware of why it is there?

Personally, I look upon fear as a positive emotion. I know that uncontrolled this emotion can breed many negative results. But when controlled, this emotion can spur you into action like no other I know of. And I think that this is truly the reason for fear. Think of it as your best friend, preparing you for progress. Make friends with the unknown.

We should acknowledge the fear we are experiencing. Allow that it is a positive thing within us that warns us of some impending danger or harm. And then, analyze it to see if it is real or imagined, justified or not. When we recognize it's positive intent, it is no longer something to immobilize us, but quite the reverse, we can jump into action to remedy 'why' we are fearful.

I think that it is the inaction bred by over-analyzing, by focusing on the fear, actually dwelling on it, imagining the 'what ifs', that keeps us from taking the actions necessary to move though it. We need to process it, not dwell in it. I'm sure everyone has heard the old expression, 'A coward dies a thousand deaths, a brave person, only one.' We do not want to hold the FEAR thought. That is not what it is there for.

As long as we focus on the positive intent a fearful state represents, rather on the fear itself, we can question ourselves as to what this fear is trying to tell us to do, and take the necessary actions to protect ourselves or blast us though this perceived barrier.

All we have to know is, `What is really going on here?' What do I need to do in order for me to feel better about moving forward? Or do I really need to back off from this course? Do I need to take another smaller action (baby step) or do I just need to change my perception about what is going on here?

Then, move forward in some direction no matter how small a step it seems. Usually just taking action and the momentum you gain and feel, will free you from the fearful, concerned, worried feeling you had.

Do you have something bothering you, or something you have been putting off, or dreading? Something you know you must do, but just haven't been able to face up to the task? Break it down until there is something you can move forward with. Take it in baby steps, take action. Do it and then celebrate the victory! Feel your confidence grow!

Your mind can only hold one thought at a time. Make it an action thought that empowers you.

This is only one person's opinion, but I feel it is better to believe in something beneficial that I can take control of, rather than be at it's mercy!.

Al Smith, Copyright 2005