Have No F.E.A.R.

William Shakespeare wrote, "Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt." What are you afraid to attempt? The old acronym for F.E.A.R. ... False Expectations Appearing Real can sometimes come into play as we doubt our abilities, resources or sanity. Now, sometimes fear is a good thing - for me, a fear of skydiving seems healthy. But, when fear and doubts get in the way of our goals and dreams we should take a second to realize what is at stake.

For me, William Shakespeare's little quote is just the trick. I started by carrying the quote around in my wallet. Whenever I doubted myself or was afraid of attempting something, I would pull the quote out and read it over to myself. Pretty soon I had the quote memorized. Now when I have those moments or when a particular project gets tough, I repeat the quote to myself. This simple affirmation encourages me to focus on the outcome... the "good I oft might win." That simple pause and visualization of the "end in mind" can make all the difference and provide the courage to take the next step.