Thursday, April 14th, 2010 — —— — —— — —— — —— — —— — —— — — Spring Edition #164

Russell R. Shippee
Author, Speaker, Life Coach

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IF I weren't afraid, I'd write a book and start a newsletter.

In spite of the fear, or call it apprehension, I did write a book and start this newsletter. People bought the book and still are. People are still signing up for the newsletter. Who would have ever thought? No, don't answer!

If you weren't afraid, you'd accomplish much more. And, yes, you can do it.

I struck a nerve or two last week with the article on deadlines. Here's the reply to the article: "OK ... sometimes your newsletters can be hurtful, or at least depressing."

Here's the paragraph that caused it: "We are entering the second quarter of the year. Shall I assume that you met all your deadlines for the first quarter? Shall I assume you'll meet many more this quarter so you can take some time off this summer? I thought so!"

Please be assured that the objective of the newsletter is to assess where you are and then to plan moving forward. The past is over. It's what you can do now. It's planning, setting deadlines, and working the plan. We all hold ourselves accountable, even if we are unable to admit it to others.

Time Savers is back, by popular demand, as the next seminar. Yes, it is worth repeating for those of you who have not seen it. It was popular; and we think more of you will want to take advantage of it. sign up.

P. S. Do something for yourself TODAY. You're worth it.

The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.

Thoreau

The choices I make today will determine the rest of my life!.

Ginny Dye

Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you'll be able to see farther.

J. P. Morgan.

Every person who wins in any undertaking must be willing to cut all sources of retreat. Only by doing so can one be sure of maintaining that state of mind known as a burning desire to win -- essential to success.

Napoleon Hill

Kids just do things. How else are we to learn except by doing? We are here to live, to explore, and to have an adventure. You can't do that sitting in a chair.

IF I weren't afraid.

Be honest, you're afraid, We're all afraid of something.

What’s the worst that can happen to you? Death? Well, we will all die an earthly death. So, if it will happen, why should we be afraid?

What are you afraid of? Make a list. Better than that, make a list completing the following:

If I weren’t afraid I’d_____________________________.

Get married
Move to the ocean
Move to Europe
Quit my job
Go back to school
Start my own business
Tell ________ My true feelings
Write the book I’ve always wanted to write
Invite friends over for a home cooked meal

Yes, Fear holds us back. It prevents us from living life to the fullest extent. It blocks our creative juices, it prevents us from making life an exciting adventure. It limits us.

How many times have you failed to take the initiative to do something for fear of being rejected? Not getting the job you want to apply for. Not getting your book accepted by a publisher. Not getting enough votes from your peers to get elected.

The simple answer is to face the fear, do that which you fear, and the death of the fear will be certain. Walk towards that which you fear, and the fear will subside and, eventually disappear.

Truly, what is there to be afraid of? Failure is ‘false evidence appearing real’. Failure is also just practice. Practice is what makes us good at something.

The fear disappears in the doing. Focus on the doing, the accomplishing, and you’ll realize there was no fear, only the excitement and anticipation of doing.

I bought a boat and had to take it on a twelve hour journey in the ocean, covering area I had never seen before. I started out with limited knowledge of the boat and the area as well as limited navigation equipment. Plus, it was a stormy, cold, blustery April day with high seas. Sure, there was a little fear and apprehension. But, if I was afraid, I wouldn’t have done it. I accepted it as a challenge and an adventure. It sure was with engine and equipment failure. Now, it’s just a great story of doing. In the process I learned about the boat, that part of the ocean, and my own ability.

What have you done in the past that you were, at first, afraid to do? Can you remember the feeling of being afraid and then the feeling of victory when you did it? Do more of it. Do more of it every chance you get.

If you don’t live your life as an exciting adventure learning and doing, at the end of life your biggest regret will be risks not taken and things not done. Start today. Do it.