Fear is an emotion we all face, whether it is speaking in front of a large audience or just taking on a new job with greater responsibility. It’s not if we face fear but what we choose to do with it. 

 I recently came across a list that says there are six basic fears people face:

1. Fear of poverty
2. Fear of criticism
3. Fear of ill health
4. Fear of love lost
5. Fear of old age 
6. Fear of death

The question to ask ourselves is “how do I deal with this fear and take action?” I have a coffee mug with a picture of John Wayne on it. There is a great quote from the Duke that says  courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway. When we are fearful, we often don’t take any action and feel paralyzed; it seems safer to stay where we are instead of venturing into the unknown. The key point is being willing to take action in the midst of fear and changing the future outcome. Here are some steps to take action:

1. Discover or rediscover the God sized dream on the inside of you. What do you feel you were born to do?
2. Focus and visualize the emotions you will feel when you are living out that dream.
3. Write down the specific steps you will have to take to accomplish the dream. Make sure the steps are small and able to be accomplished. 
4. Take the smallest action possible each day to move you towards the goal. Journal how you feel and celebrate even the smallest actions.
5. When you face challenges and obstacles (and you will) re-adjust the path forward and keep moving, don’t give up. 

Just remember that quitting can become a familiar habit just like perseverance. Decide which habit you want to strengthen and move forward!