Our first challenge was naming the reasons we resist pursuing what we love, then articulating why we are capable of living our dreams. If you took the challenge, then you shared those two statements with someone other than your favorite pet.

Now, we’re going to get down to brass tacks. Facing the fear that keeps you from moving forward. I know there are legitimate, tangible, external obstacles that stand in your way, but I’m not talking about those. Those are actually easier to overcome than the intangible prison of fear.

2011 is our year to FEAR. LESS.

I’m not asking you to become fearless, that’s another thing entirely and one I don’t believe I’ll ever attain. However, I am convinced we can teach ourselves to FEAR. LESS. Fear less than we did yesterday by pinpointing and articulating our fears. Fear less by bringing the unspoken into the light so we can see them for what they are, intangibles that must be conquered and silenced.

Grab a notepad and answer the following:

1. What is your passion/dream/goal?
2. What is your largest external/tangible obstacle?
3. What is your largest intangible fear?

Need some ideas for big, fat, ugly fears that keep us bound up?

• failure
• success
• conflict
• ridicule
• rejection
• loneliness
• bankruptcy
• abandonment
• incompetence
• embarrassment
• disappointment

Go through the list and choose the one that you think weighs you down the most. A good way to tell is to pay attention to how your mind and body respond to each word as you read it. Some may give you a visceral reaction that wells up so strong you want to quit right now. Fight against that feeling. Face the fear and follow it through.

ANXIETY TRAINING

One thing I learned through anxiety training is that the best way to dismantle a fear is to bring it into the light and take it to its worst possible outcome. If you fear bankruptcy and losing everything, think about what that would look like. By not thinking about it, your brain gives you this dark, scary fear that overwhelms you and leaves you with images of you on the streets. In truth, you would handle things before it got to that point. You may have no home, but you probably have a car you can sleep in. You might have to put your possessions in a storage facility or in a friend’s garage. You might have to impose on others, but if you lost it all following your passion, I wouldn’t be surprised if you made some friends along the way who would help you out.

WORST CASE SCENARIO

Do this same procedure for your fears. Play it out to the worst case scenario, then backtrack to how you could and would handle it. Write it all down and begin to experience the fear dissipate. Fear can’t hold up in the light of truth.

Fear kills passion. Acknowledge it, then disarm it.

That’s your challenge this week. I’d love for you to share your results in the comments. Let’s connect and support one another as we take this journey together!