The Hidden Cost of Fear-Driven Success
The old adage "do it scared" has its place. It reminds us that fears shouldn't control us. But for many, including myself, this mantra led to a fear-driven existence we mistakenly called courage.
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." (1 John 4:17)
"God gave us a spirit not of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7)
Those two passages transformed my life. For all my life, I operated from a place of fear:
🔸 Fear of failure.
🔸 Fear of not trying.
🔸 Fear of not succeeding.
🔸 Fear of letting my family down.
🔸 Fear of letting my boss down.
🔸 Fear of letting myself down.
🔸 Fear of doing too little.
🔸 Fear of doing too much.
🔸 Fear of attention.
🔸 Fear of invisibility.
🔸 Fear of wealth.
🔸 Fear of poverty.
🔸 Fear of average.
🔸 Fear of exceptionalism.
🔸 Fear of inferiority.
🔸 Fear of mediocrity.
I discovered that fear, while a powerful motivator, extracts a terrible price. I was incredibly driven by fear—and simultaneously robbed of joy.
What's the alternative? Love.
Rather than acting to escape your fears—whatever they might be—act from a place of love.
❤️ Don't fear failure. Love growth.
❤️ Don't fear judgment. Love others.
❤️ Don't fear the unknown. Love discovery.
Take it from someone who learned the hard way: fear will drain the life from you, while love will sustain you through the journey.
Tired? Check what you’re running from.
Fear is a great motivator but never gives the energy to continue the course.
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As always,
Stay humble. Hang tough.
Paul Tucker