Anecdote Of The Week: How Irrational Are Your Fears?

"Jean Deeds, author of 'There Are Mountains To Climb,' wrote of one harrowing night alone on the Appalachian Trail, listening to a bear snuffling and shuffling outside her tent. Lying very still, she hardly slept, hoping that the beast would not decide to tear into her nylon shelter.

The next morning Jean peeked outside directly into the face of the meandering creature- a cow, calmly munching some wild grass.

A cow is not to be trifled with, but it is certainly not a bear. One responds differently to each. In the same way, when you experience inertia or encounter a difficulty completing a goal, be aware that it may not be weak willpower snuffling outside your tent- it may be self-doubt, the fear of failure, or another impostor chewing its cud.

If you lack a clear purpose, misjudge the size of a task, or feel innate resistance to change, don't berate yourself for having a weak will; rather, apply your attention and will to transcending these pretenders." -From, "Everyday Enlightenment" By: Dan Millman