Fear

In this world of competitiveness and in the race to success, there is always a lot of pressure on people. With every achievement they get, their responsibilities increase and they have to put in double the energy and effort to stay on the top. Few people manage to stay afloat and are able to maintain that status, but most of them falter and fall down. The only reason for this is FEAR.

The immediate question that pops up here is: Fear of what? Well, there are innumerable reasons for that and one can go on listing it. Few reasons could be: fear of comparison, fear of peers and so on.

First thing we must know here is, why does fear arise at all? Fear arises because one is mentally not prepared to face the consequences. One always looks at the darker side and asks questions like: "What if I can't do this? What will happen next? What if I fail?" Always remember this. Results are never partial to anyone. If you work with a mindset to do your best and not for the four claps or five praises, your grades will surely improve and you will surely achieve your personal goals. If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail. So, always put in your heart, mind and soul in your preparation and always anticipate for the best. By doing this, you will surely emerge out of the downward spiral of fear.

What are the most common signs of a person who is afraid? The first thing is that he becomes fidgety and turns absent-minded. He stars mincing his words due to lack of confidence. He always gives higher importance to others and thinks about himself as someone who is fit for nothing.

Fear can induce two things within you. One, it will make you do things that you wouldn't have even dreamt about. Two, it will make you fickle-minded and you start doubting your own capabilities.

Now, many of you might tell me that the first thing is good as it makes you exert yourself more and prepares you to jump into action. But my response is not a complete yes for this statement. I say so because at one point of time when you question yourself as to why are you doing something, you will not have a convincing answer. (This is when you do the donkey's work i.e when you are doing something just because someone forced you to do so). But if you are wholeheartedly interested in doing something, fear turns into fire. Instead of plummeting, you reach the pinnacle. I had used the phrase 'not a complete yes' to signify the fact that in every situation, there are both pros and cons. Just because we are always facing bad times that doesn't mean there is no ray of goodness. We must always have a broad approach towards things.

People are afraid of so many things, no doubt. But, this one factor helps us to distinguish between the brave hearts and the weaklings. That is fear of suppression. Now, why I am saying this is because in most cases domination is not accepted with open arms. One can accept anything, but not someone ruling over their interests. Suppression propels one to turn from a small fire to a forest fire. Even most of the frail ones try their level best to not fall a prey to subduing. But there is a small catch here. Few people don't fight for their rights because they look at the aftermath. (Again there is a negative thought. This is what happens when you don't try whole heartedly to come out of the circle of fear). These people although wanting to rise don't undertake any task and are always afraid of what would people do to them if they take over their positions.

If we talk about fear in general, then there are two kinds of fears. One, is fear of something (which we have been talking about till now) and the second is fear for someone. The specialty in the second case is we are afraid regarding issues faced by someone else. This fear can be attributed with concern. For example, we fear for our parents' health, our siblings' safety and so on. We are bothered about our kith and kin, friends, family and others. It is this one quality that distinguishes humans from others- concern and affection towards others.

You may ask me why I am equating affection with fear. I am doing this because the higher the affection is, the more fear one has about them.

 

So, coming back to the main point. As I raised the point of signs of fear earlier, few may ask me this question. What would happen if these were not cut down soon? More you delay the treatment, higher is the deterioration in health. Similarly, if the roots of fear start spreading its base, it becomes very difficult to come out of it. I say so because the person entangled in the web of fear looks at everything with a big eye i.e even small tasks appear mammoth and impossible. They always chose a chance to leave the assigned work as they are filled with negative energy.

So, remember all the afraid people. The word impossible itself means 'I am possible'. Thinking to overcome fear will not work. Only your consistent action in that direction will fetch results. Understand that fear is just a state of mind and is like a barricade in your path. You have to move it from your way on your own, because, the traveller is you and the journey is yours- not anyone else's. People can just motivate you, it is you who have to gear up and become stronger. Fear has two meanings: Forget Everything And Run or Face Everything And Rise. The choice is yours.

Once you overcome your fears, and by chance, if you fail in something, never get dejected. Because FAIL is the First Attempt In Learning. Never think it is the end because END means Effort Never Dies.

Be aware of one thing. Fear is recurring. You can never defeat fear completely because it is a natural trait. Yes, you can win over it for a while, but it will again envelope you. Aim not for absence of fear, but victory over it whenever it tries to hinder your progress. Coax your heart and convince your brain that you would be successful in conquering fear always. Remember, the only thing that you have to fear is fear itself and nothing else. Danger is real. But fear is a CHOICE.

                                  - Anusha Sridhar