Who is Your Biggest Enemy?

His name is Poverty.  Not only is this the biggest fear a human can have it is the most difficult to overcome if you are afflicted with this fear.

Let’s start with the definition of fear.  This is one that is simple and I like it:  

False Evidence Appearing Real

Fear, like all other emotions, is basically information. It offers us knowledge and understanding—if we choose to accept it.

So where do we get fears?  Some of them are just in our DNA others are learned through our beliefs and society pressures.

Being afraid of being poor is not like being afraid of heights or snakes.  It’s not all about money either.  It’s a whole package of emotions around survival, happiness, identity and self-worth.  Like all fears it triggers the fight or flight response in the body.

The chief symptom of the fear of poverty is constantly worrying about not having enough money, even when you have the money you need.

The others symptoms are:

• Indecision – staying on the fence and then allowing others to make your decision
• Envy or criticism of others who are financially successful.
• A tendency to spend beyond your means.
• The habit of looking for the negative
• Lack of self-confidence, self-control
• Expecting poverty instead of demanding riches.

What are the consequences of our fears?

They breed resistance, insecurity, and destructive behavior.  They stifle motivation, growth, and effective decision making.  Now, how would that impact your life?

Overcoming your fear is about changing your perspective

A courageous person doesn’t just simply accept reality. Instead they learn to change their perspective about themselves, others and circumstances in ways that will help them overcome their fears.

Simply, let go.

Letting go can be one of the greatest challenges to overcoming fear. At times, we hold on to something because we feel it empowers us; however, holding on only weakens us.

Once we have accepted what may or may not develop, we need to detach ourselves from the outcome. Letting go of our fears allows us to focus more on the present moment and less on the fear itself.

Exercise:

1. Define your nightmare, the absolute worst that could happen if you did what you are considering.

2. What steps could you take to repair the damage or get things back on track, even if temporarily?

3. What are the benefits, both temporary and permanent, of more probable scenarios?

4. If … your worst fear happened now, what could you do to get things under … control?

5. What are you putting off out of fear?

6. What is it costing you-financially, emotionally, and physically-to postpone action?

7. What are you waiting for?