Taming Your FEAR Dragon: The Secret To Living An Extraordinary Life
Have you ever felt the crushing weight of fear holding you back? That paralyzing sensation that whispers, "You're not good enough," or "You can't do this"?
I've been there, standing at the crossroads of my dreams, heart pounding, palms sweaty, as fear gripped me tight. It's a lonely, suffocating place, isn't it?
But what if I told you that befriending that fear - yes, befriending it - is your key to taming that Fiery Fear Dragon? And the key to unlocking the life you've always dreamed of?
Sounds crazy, right? Stick with me, because I'm about to show you how making friends with your fear can transform your life from ordinary to extraordinary.
Ready to tame your fear dragon and unleash your inner superhero? Let's dive in!
1. Embrace Your Fear: It's Not the Enemy You Think It Is
If you do:
You'll discover a powerful ally hiding within your greatest fears.
If you don't:
You'll keep running from shadows, missing out on the vibrant life waiting just beyond your comfort zone.
How to do this Bold Step:
Picture this (bear with me here): You're face-to-face with a fire-breathing dragon. Terrifying, right? But what if that dragon isn't your enemy, but a misunderstood friend trying to protect you?
Ever see the movie, “Pete’s Dragon?” What if your fear is really that kind of a dragon? Big and scary but, when you look closely and get to know him, he’s really a well-intentioned but overzealous guardian.
To make friends with your fear, start by giving your fear a name. (I called mine "Elliot” after Pete’s Dragon" - feel free to steal that if it resonates!)
Then, have a chat with it. Yes, I'm serious!
Look him in the eye and ask your fear:
What are you trying to protect me from?
What would happen if I took this leap anyway?
How can we work together instead of against each other?
By acknowledging your fear and understanding its motives, you're taking the first step towards transforming it from a paralyzing force into a powerful source of wisdom and strength.
Remember, courage isn't the absence of fear - it's feeling the fear and taking action anyway. So, the next time your Fiery Fear Dragon roars, thank it for its concern, then boldly step forward anyway.
Now, let's turn that understanding into action...
2. Rewrite Your Story: You're the Hero, Not the Victim
If you do:
You'll reclaim your power and become the author of your own extraordinary life story.
If you don't:
You'll remain stuck in a narrative where fear calls the shots, missing out on the amazing plot twists life has in store for you.
How to take this Bold Step:
Think about your favourite superhero. Did they become legendary by playing it safe? Heck no! They faced their fears head-on, often stumbling, sometimes failing, but always getting back up.
It's time to channel your inner Batman, Wonder Woman, or whatever cape-wearing, world-saving icon inspires you. Here's how:
Identify a fear-based story you've been telling yourself. (Mine was "I'm not good enough to sing on stage..")
Flip the script. What would the courageous version of you say instead?
Act as if this new story is true. What bold action would Courageous You take?
Here's a little secret: Sometimes, you've got to fake it till you make it. Act brave, even when you don't feel it. Your actions will eventually convince your heart to catch up.
The scary story I told you about above is true.
There was a time when the love of singing ran rampant in my veins. From the stage, I could connect with people’s hearts in a way that made me feel alive.
In my early 30s, the most amazing thing happened—a manager wanted to work with me. That would mean recording, travelling, and living the dream!
But then, one sunny summer day I will never forget, it all came crashing down. Someone close to me threw these words at me during a moment when my doubts were getting the best of me: "Well, you're really not that good."
The dragon roared. This was my biggest fear - given a voice. This was like kryptonite to Superman!
There’s only one thing we ever do when the Fear Dragon raises his head - we respond. You know how I responded? I shut it all down. Gave it up. Ran from it.
My inner Superman was nowhere to be found that day. I took the safe route, and my dream died.
Don't let that be your story. Rewrite it. Be the hero who faces the music (pun intended) and sings anyway.
Alright. Now that you've decided to embrace your fear and rewrite your story (I hope), it's time to take consistent, courageous action...
3. Accept Daily Courage Challenges: Small Steps, Big Impact
If you do:
You'll build an unshakeable foundation of courage that will carry you through life's toughest challenges.
If you don't:
You'll miss out on the exhilarating growth that comes from pushing your boundaries, leaving your potential untapped.
How to take this Bold Step:
Remember when you learned to ride a bike? You didn't start by racing in the Tour de France. You began with training wheels, wobbling and falling, but getting back up each time. Building courage works the same way.
Start small. Each day, do one thing that scares you a little. It could be:
Sharing an idea in a meeting
Trying a new hobby you've always been curious about
Striking up a conversation with a stranger
Keep a "Courage Journal" to track your daily acts of bravery. You'll be amazed at how quickly these small steps add up to big changes.
And here's a fun twist: Turn it into a game! Create a "Courage Bingo" card with different challenges. Each time you complete a row, reward yourself. (May I suggest belting out your favourite song at karaoke as a reward? Trust me, it's therapeutic!)
Remember, courage is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. And before you know it, you'll be flexing those courage muscles like a pro, ready to tackle life's biggest challenges with a confident smile.
Your Extraordinary Life Awaits: Will You tame your Fear dragon?
Imagine waking up each morning, excited for the day ahead. You're no longer held back by "what-ifs" and "I can'ts".
Instead, you're propelled forward by "why nots" and "let's try its". That's the power of living with courage.
You've got this, my friend. You were born for greatness, equipped with everything you need to live an extraordinary life.
Your Fiery Fear Dragon is now your faithful sidekick, offering wisdom instead of worry.
Remember, courage isn't about being fearless. It's about feeling the fear and choosing to be Brave Enough anyway. And that's exactly what my upcoming "Little Books of Courage" series is all about - helping you navigate life's challenges with grit, grace, and yes, a healthy dose of courage.
Ready to take the first step on your courage journey? CLICK HERE to download my free guide, "Courageous: 5 Strategies to Bring Out Your Inner Leader". It's packed with practical tips to help you start building your courage muscles today.
Let's make fear your friend and courage your superpower. Your extraordinary life is waiting. Are you brave enough to claim it?
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