What are you letting fear stop you from doing.?

Why do you fear what you fear..?

Fear is an interesting topic.

We all fear different things.

From the end of the world, spiders, to posting on social media, or getting judged for the way you want to dress…

It is our ultimate nemesis in the world of progress and growth.

Fear is so powerful.

And that’s why it can be one of the greatest allies known to man when used correctly.

Think about it,

Do you remember the film swordfish?

Halley berry/ HUGE jackman.

Hugh plays as a coder and when he meets the bad guy he is set up with a challenge.

Life or death

If he doesn’t do the thing in under a minute he is going to die.

Well it’s this fear that allowed him to do the task while being “distracted” (if you know, you know.)

There are several movies I could’ve used, but for some reason, this film and this scene were in my head at writing.

I haven’t watched the film in about 7 years.

But it captures the essence of what fear can potentially help you achieve in the moment.

It takes time to be able to harness it in a positive way, and it doesn’t have to be a life or death situation.

Just imagine,

If you harnessed the enhanced speed, thought processing, and strength that comes with fear.

You’d be unstoppable.

The good stuff…SCIENCE!

Contrary to popular belief

Fear is not inherently negative.

Rather, it's our perception of fear that determines its effects on our behaviour and mindset.

Don’t believe me?

One ground-breaking study.

Conducted by psychologists at Stanford University explored the relationship between fear and motivation.

Participants were asked to perform a series of challenging tasks while their brain activity was monitored using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

The results?

Revealed that individuals who perceived fear as a signal of potential reward showed increased activation in brain regions associated with motivation and goal-directed behaviour.

Research in cognitive psychology has shown that your mindset plays a crucial role in shaping your response to fear.

Would you say you have a growth mindset?

Well if you do… there is some good news!

If you believe that abilities can be developed through effort and perseverance

You are more likely to view fear as a natural part of the learning process

And a catalyst for personal growth.

This mindset shift allows you to approach challenges with resilience and optimism.

Turning setbacks into opportunities for learning and development.

Let’s talk about a study where Harvard psychologists examined the concept of "stress mindset"

The belief that stress can either enhance or impede performance.

Participants were divided into two groups and exposed to identical stress-inducing tasks.

The first group was primed to view stress as enhancing, while the second group was primed to view stress as debilitating.

The results showed that individuals in the enhancing mindset group exhibited better performance and cognitive function under stress compared to those in the debilitating mindset group.

This study highlights the powerful impact of mindset on our physiological responses to fear and stress.

In conclusion,

Reframing fear as a source of motivation and drive can lead to profound changes in our behaviour and mindset.

By embracing fear as a natural part of the learning process and adopting a growth mindset,

You can transform obstacles into opportunities and setbacks into stepping stones on the path to success and fulfillment.

The trick to “Fear setting”

"Fear Setting," inspired by Stoic philosophy and popularized by author Tim Ferriss. This activity involves three simple steps:

1. Identify Fear: Begin by identifying the specific fear or challenge that is holding you back. This could be anything from public speaking to starting a new business venture.

2. Define Worst-Case Scenarios: Next, imagine the worst-case scenarios associated with your fear. What's the absolute worst that could happen if you face this fear head-on? Write down these scenarios in detail.

3. Develop Mitigation Strategies: Finally, brainstorm and develop strategies to mitigate the risks associated with each worst-case scenario. This could include contingency plans, seeking support from others, or taking small steps to gradually confront your fear.

An affirmation to end

As always,

Choose confident. Choose Positive. Choose You 🫵

Your friend

Robbo “The PVC Chief” Blades.

Ps. If you are reading this far I LOVE YOU.

P.P.S Would you be against sharing this on