Most people understand that FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real yet despite this knowledge fear often carries the day. Fear is a clever and resourceful foe. What makes it especially insidious is that it resides in our heads and co-opts our thinking. From there it delivers seemingly sound information that we use to make choices. The problem is that the evidence is not sound. It is information that is experienced through the filter of fear. Is it any wonder that so many of our inspired ideas and plans never make it past the dreaming stage and are often dismissed as “unrealistic”? Fear takes the data of the day, the economy, your age, your abilities, and twists them to build a case for playing it safe. It seems to know exactly where to hit, financial insecurity for example, and works that soft underbelly until it’s goal is achieved- you back down.

Carl Jung equated fear with evil because he said it was the negation of positive energy. No argument here. He also said “only boldness can defeat fear”. Well with the stakes so high- your life- it’s time to get your bold on. Today will be step #1 of a series of personal practices that will assuredly loosen fears grip while softening the ground for creativity and expansiveness.

Step one: Attention and Awareness. Without the awareness of what is motivating your decisions it is unlikely that you will manifest the change you desire. To realize this awareness you must pay attention. Attention to what you are doing and why. We make countless decisions and choices throughout our day. This practice is asking that you pause and ask the question “why?”. As passive as this might sound on the surface its actual impact is radical and, yes, bold. It is the first step to change. The goal with step #1 is to raise our awareness of when we are being led by fear. That’s it. Simple, but not easy.

Here are your instructions. Keep a memo pad with you at all times. Remind yourself in the morning of your new project- to pay attention to what is motivating your choices. During the day try to stop and ask yourself the question, “why am I going here or doing that” when choices are being made. If in your investigation you discover there is some element of fear in play make a note of it. Describe the situation and what was the angle fear was using to influence you. Review your findings at the end of the day. To deepen the learning share it with someone who holds an appreciation for your undertaking.  It is not necessary to change your choices at this stage. The goal is to pay attention and become aware of fear’s subtle nature.

Good work! Take a deep breath and know the reign of fear is on it’s way out. On its way in is a life of expanding personal power and choice. Carl Jung would be proud!