Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back.

How has 2022 been going for you? Have you approached the new year with an attitude of wonder and excitement, or with an attitude of dread and fear?

I’ve seen an absurd amount of fear and dread being slung around on the national stage and in the media. The President of the United States even jumped into the fray by saying we are facing a Winter of death.

It’s depressing and unnerving. What’s worse is that people all over the world are being told that 2022 is going to be a bad year. I know people who are listening to all the negativity by politicians, school officials, the approved medical establishment, and others. Many people who are listening to the so-called “experts” are experiencing feelings of depression and hopelessness.

I feel for them. It’s difficult to be bombarded by negative thoughts and fears all the time and keep your confidence, and positive outlook.

Difficult, but not impossible.

The truth is that negative thoughts and other people’s fears have always surrounded you. It’s possible that you didn’t notice it. Most people learn early on with whom they can share their hopes and dreams without fear of being shot down, discouraged, or flat out told they can’t or shouldn’t pursue their heart’s desire. If we’re lucky the people closest to us, our immediate family, are supportive. But, for most people that isn’t the case. Our immediate family wants the best for us, but they view our abilities, accomplishments, and struggles through the lens of their own lives. They want to protect us from the pain of struggle and failure.

People who are successful in their endeavors learn to seek out and form friendships with those who are currently active in, and those who have accomplished, the same things they desire. They find support groups, classes, masterminds, workshops, and other groups that focus on the thing they want to do. The other members of the group give advice and guidance. Most importantly they are supportive because they’ve done the thing. They know it can be accomplished because they’ve done it.

Have you ever heard the phrase, those who say it can’t be done shouldn’t get in the way of those doing it?

It’s true.

Today’s media and so many of our politicians are spewing doom and gloom. It’s disheartening and creates mass fear.

But, more people in this country, and throughout the world who have decided not to give into fear. They are starting businesses, connecting with new people, and finding ways to help each other through the current struggles. They are making, meeting, and exceeding their goals despite, or without fear.

What are your health goals for 2022? Do you have health goals that go beyond avoiding Covid 19? For that matter, do you have work, family, and personal goals for the year?

Goals move us forward. They give us something to hope for, to work for, and most importantly to dream for.

Goals help us push the fear aside and work for something outside ourselves.

If you haven’t set goals for 2022 yet it’s not too late. It’s never too late to set a goal and begin to take action to do the thing.

But, how do you get past the fear so that you can feel confident enough in your future to dream again?

A lot of people are struggling with that right now. People have allowed fear of the future, fear of the unknown, and fear being spread by (hopefully) well-meaning authorities to cause them to stop dreaming.To set goals and intentions you have to be able to dream.

First — stop the flow of negativity. Turn off the TV, stop watching or listening to the news, and stop following negative politicians. Take a break from it.

Second — find and engage with people who are moving forward and meeting goals during this time of uncertainty and fear. The person who goes to the gym, or who takes live person, Join a business group and talk to people who are starting businesses or working freelance despite Covid, and supply chain hang-ups. They are out there. Go find them, and learn from them.

Third — reduce your contact with the scared and negative people in your life. If you have a family member or friend who spreads doom and gloom, understand that they are afraid. The decisions they make and the things they say come from a place of fear. You can’t change that. But you can reduce the amount of time you spend with them. You can decide what you share.

Fourth — Meditate, pray, practice mindfulness. Whatever your spiritual beliefs are, lean into them. Do what motivates and calms you. If you feel the wonder of God (or the Universe) when you’re in the mountains, or by a river or hiking, then go do those things. If the sound of a young child’s laughter fills you with hope, ask to spend time with a child in your family. In the Bible, Philippians 4:8 reminds us:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8 NIV

When you focus on negative thoughts, your outlook becomes one of limits, fear, doubt, and impossibility. However, when you focus on the positive, the good, the possible, you can achieve your goals, and dreams even they appear impossible.

Tell me your thoughts.