One of the greatest challenges that you will ever face is the conquest of fear and the development of courage. When you develop courage and unshakable self-confidence, a whole new world of possibilities will open up for you.

Fortunately, courage can be learned, just as fear had to be learned. The people who are the most successful life are those who have learned how to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones, beginning with the greatest hurdle, fear.

One of the most destructive consequences of fear is that it causes us to sell ourselves short and settle for far less out of life than we are capable of achieving. We tend to compare ourselves unfavorably with others, and to conclude that while others may be capable of success and prosperity, somehow we are not good enough. We begin to invest more mental effort in making excuses as to why we cant do things.

Fear causes failure, physical and psychological illnesses, divorces, and mediocrity. But it can be overcome. If you recognize and properly evaluate it, you can redirect fear for your greater benefit.

During the many years I have tried to help others overcome their own fears; I have identified what I consider to be the most common fears ever person has. These are:

1. Fear of poverty. The mind attracts what it dwells upon. People who accept poverty will never master it. Successful people refuse to accept poverty. They decide how much they want to make, write that goal down and keep it fixed in their mind until they achieve it.

2. Fear of criticism. So few people reach the top of there field because they fear what others will say about them if they take risks, if they advance and adopt new ideas. They resent criticism, which is one way to ensure that you wont succeed. The person who is destined to become a success is one who welcomes honest criticism, learns from it, and improving.

3. Fear of the loss of love. This basic fear is at the bottom of most cases of jealousy. More often than not it has no real justification. But, justified or not, it is a sure killer of success.

4. Fear of ill health. You cant be healthy and happy if all you think about is being sick. You may be surprised at how quickly you body will follow if you make up your mind to follow a healthy lifestyle.

5. Fear of old age. The creator has wisely arranged for all human beings to trade their youth for invaluable experience. Look around you, and you will see countless people who have achieved success after they were past middle age. You should welcome age and the experience and knowledge that come with it.

6. Fear of death. This is the grandfather of all fears. It is also inevitable. Successful people are those who accept death as inevitable and devote their time to living in the present. They leave the hereafter to philosophers, clergy, and mystics.

The first step in overcoming your fears is to have the courage to begin, to launch, or to step out in faith. You have to be willing to try something new or different, to move out of your comfort zone with no guarantee of success. The best way to do this is by setting clear goals and objectives. Then write out a detailed plan of action and take the first step.

You must have patience and persistence to overcome your fears. You must be willing to endure, persist, and stay with it once you have begun. You must be able to plan your work and then persist patiently, even in the face of disappointment and unexpected short-term setbacks. This will not only help you overcome your fears, but it will also develop courage.

Whenever you think of something that causes you fear or anxiety, use the Law of Substitution. Switch your attention onto your goals, or create a mental picture of the person you would like to be, living the life you want to live. There is nothing wrong with thoughts of fear, we all have them. Just dont dwell upon them, instead choose to dwell upon thoughts of your ideal future and the things you want and the life you want to lead. Remember, whatever you dwell upon grows in your mind and will eventually become reality.

The mastery of fear and the development of courage are essential prerequisites for a happy and successful life. You will eventually reach the point where your fears have diminished to such a degree that they no longer play a major role in your decision making. You will be able to face every situation with calmness and self-assurance. You will not be afraid of anyone or anything. As your fears die away and your courage grows, your potential becomes unlimited.

Copyright2006 by Joe Love and JLM & Associates, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.