3 seconds left on the clock, you just got fouled and you're on the line shooting 2. You hold the ball in your hands breathing deeply. In your head an echo, if I make both we win, make one and we tie, but what if I miss?? Suddenly fear grips you. The 67,000 fans screaming distract you from your target; the basket seems so far away, much further than in practice, the hole so small...your heart begins to beat harder in your chest. You take a deep breath, focus and shoot, you miss. A deep sound of disappointment fills the arena. Your last chance, fear of failure has consumed you now all you can think of is how much of a disappointment you will be. You breathe again, try to refocus and shoot....
Although not on this grand stage, many of us experience fear in some shape, form, or fashion. Whether it's taking that big exam or wanting to go talk to that special person you've been eyeing for the last couple months. Fear does not discriminate, it comes after everyone. It can cause you to stay at a job you hate for the rest of your life, instead of following your dreams, you accept mediocrity, for it is easy, and safe. It's not limited to one thing, it could be fear of failure, fear of not pleasing someone, or even just not being adequate enough. We look at some of our favorite sports stars or even a close family member and wish we could have half the courage they do to go after our dreams, not be afraid to take a chance. What is it that allows t
hem to move freely in our world with all certainty, all faith that they will, without a shadow of a doubt, succeed? Most if asked, will tell you there isn't an absence of fear but an innate ability to control it. They use it to thrive, it somehow strengthens them, helps them to become their best when others would, undoubtedly, crumble under its enormous pressure.
--"I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."
-Michael Jordan
Although not on this grand stage, many of us experience fear in some shape, form, or fashion. Whether it's taking that big exam or wanting to go talk to that special person you've been eyeing for the last couple months. Fear does not discriminate, it comes after everyone. It can cause you to stay at a job you hate for the rest of your life, instead of following your dreams, you accept mediocrity, for it is easy, and safe. It's not limited to one thing, it could be fear of failure, fear of not pleasing someone, or even just not being adequate enough. We look at some of our favorite sports stars or even a close family member and wish we could have half the courage they do to go after our dreams, not be afraid to take a chance. What is it that allows t
hem to move freely in our world with all certainty, all faith that they will, without a shadow of a doubt, succeed? Most if asked, will tell you there isn't an absence of fear but an innate ability to control it. They use it to thrive, it somehow strengthens them, helps them to become their best when others would, undoubtedly, crumble under its enormous pressure.--"I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."
-Michael Jordan
