Break Through Your Fears to Achieve Your Dreams

"If you fear change, leave it here."
--A quote from a tip jar at a coffee shop

Do you dream about a life where you have impact, contribute to others and maintain a great lifestyle? As you get closer to fulfilling this dream (or any others), don't be surprised if doubt and fear surface. But rest assured that there are simple and practical steps you can take.

The number one way we sabotage our dreams is by saying things like, "But, what if?" and imagining the worst. But, what if I ...

• Fail
• Succeed
• Say or do the wrong thing
• Don't know the answer
• Get a client
• Don't get enough clients
• Can't quite cut it
• Don't make enough money

Unreasonable thoughts attack your rational mind, inventing terrifying tales, which further justify or magnify your fears. When you hear yourself say or think, "But, what if," you are caught in a common pattern of projecting fear and doubt into your dream. With this thinking, as you move toward your dream, you'll also move toward your fears and worst nightmares. With too much to risk, most of us give up or never even begin.

1. If you feel afraid or indecisive, this simple exercise can help you stabilize. Draw a line across the center of a paper. On the top, write your dream in as much detail as possible. On the bottom, write out your reality (about this dream) including your fears, doubts and "but what ifs."

Are you more committed to your dream or to your fear?

Two things will cause you to be more committed to your fear. First, if you don't have a clearly defined dream. Second, if you project your worst fears into your dream, you'll choose reality because it's safer. But when fear is placed in its proper place, as part of reality, it is easier to be more committed to your vision and fear simply becomes something to manage.