Recently I took time to write down a list of thing I was either afraid of or just hated to do to the point I would procrastinate doing them. Yes, I know it’s risky doing this but if I am to grow as a person and be less of a burden to my fellow man then I need to lay the cards on the table and seek encouragement and training. We all have fears. Some fear technology (which I don’t), Some fear storms (again I don’t, I am one of those weirdos who would get a kick out of being a storm chaser as seen in the movie, Twister. Since I made the list I have worked on a few of them as time permitted – Feel free to share some of your concerns and what holds you back from being productive and free in life;
Fear List
1.) Calling people (I do this but it puts a knot in my stomach – Thankfully I have been working with someone who handles this very well and is a great encouragement!)
2.) Folding clothes (not afraid just hate the tediousness) (I am getting used to doing this! Got a pretty good system as a matter of fact!)
3.) Plumbing
4.) the chance of having my own children (I really repent of this fear, If God wants me to be a dad then he will give me the strength)
5.) Not being able to do a job well
6.) Being seen as too mean (If you know me I do seem the shy and easygoing type which is why I rarely act as aggressive when I need to)
7.) my car breaking down
8.) Driving a long distance
9.) Changing the oil (definitely not afraid of putting in oil but the changing part is what I need to learn)
10.) fixing a flat (No really afraid but I admit I am often unprepared)
11.) riding a bike
12.) Singing ( I want my wife to teach me – I admire her talent and patience)
13.) Playing an instrument (Piano) – ( I want my wife to teach me – I admire her talent and patience)
14.) Listening
15.) Witnessing to others about my faith in God (I do this some and I know I am not alone in this fear. Maybe I have seen too many bad examples)
16.) Comforting people who are grieving
17.) Visiting nursing homes and hospitals (I have have been working on visiting more regularly)
18.) Giving Blood (I have done this since I wrote this and planning on doing it on a regular basis when I am eligible – BTW I am A-)
19.) Confronting family about tough issues – politics, religion, other relationships (This is extremely hard but I realize if I give the impression I agree with people when I don’t then I’m just lying to them and myself)
20.) learning the rules of sports (I have never been a sports fan because some reason I had a hard time wanting to learn the rules of games like Football in particular)
21.) Fear of serving in a dangerous environment – (the military would have been good for me but I never even attempted to join because I was afraid I would get killed and go to war.)
22.) Fear of letting those I care about fail. Am I trying to spoil friends and family back? I need to realize that love means being there for someone as they try to live their best and not try to control them.
23.) Visiting a cemetery (One of these occasions is where I had my first major panic attack)
24.) Selling
25.) Forsaking pride to do what it takes to earn a living. (This may be tied into the selling and calling people fear)
26.) Charging what I am really worth instead of worry people will not want to pay me ( I have been way to humble and fearful in this area)
27.) Swimming in deep water
Now, the question is – Do you have your own “Fear List”? What are you doing about it? How can you help me become Patrick 2.0 ? How can I help you become “You 2.0″? Are your fears keeping you from excelling in business and your personal life? Are a lot of you fears irrational?
Filed under: Innovation, Tips Tagged: | Innovation
