I have seen fear all but destroy many talented people’s dreams. The worst part is that when their worst fears come true, it is because they made them happen. I have seen writers not turn in their manuscripts on time, musicians show up hours late for recording sessions (which cost a small fortune) actors get wasted before going on stage to perform. They made their fear a reality.

Why?  Good question. It could be a fear of responsibility, of taking their creaft to the next level and having a whole new set of expectations to live up to. A fear of losing their independence. A fear of failing. The number one fear, if you ask me, is fear of not having enough money, of being homeless. That is always a fear for the creative person (especially the freelancer).

What is worse, working at a job you despise for the money, or doing what you love for the love of it? Follow your passion. Your sense of security comes from within, knowing you are working on purpose and using your gifts. It is riskier not to follow your dream. The cost is extremely high.

Another fear is undue worrying about what others think. Will they like my work? Will anyone pay me for this? Will I lose my friends and family if I become too successful? The answers are usually yes, yes and no. Others, usually out of concern for you (or jealousy) will say things like ‘most businesses fail in the first two years’ or ‘play it safe’.  Safe is a one way ticket to nowhere. You must stand strong, thank them for their concern, and move on.

Life comes with risks. Either you take them on or you sit at home and watch the rest of us on TV or read about us in the newspaper.

ACTION TIME

Feeling fear isn’t all that bad. In fact it is normal. You must work through it.

• Don’t downsize your dreams. Just start small and build minor successes into monumental ones.
• Make a list of all the things you are afraid of doing, and put a start date next to each of one, because action has a way of canceling out fear.
• Complete this sentence:  ‘A fear I have always had about myself is …… Get your fears out in the open and then deal with them.