Not all fear is bad. We observe this when fear supports our survival
through warnings of impending danger. Endeavors here are to deal with
destructive fear, not constructive fear. Most people live in constant dread
of something - their thoughts can lead to mental and physical disease. Fear
induces stress; too much stress can evoke hypertension, heart disease,
cancer and manic depression. In truth, ninety percent of the things feared
never happen. Fear thus robs innocent people of realizing their ambitions
and fantasies. This negative imagery ruins aspirations for a better way of
living.

The process of understanding your fears by looking into your past is a work
in progress as you strive to attain more conscious control over your own
behavior. By now you should have at least one fear identified, and ready
for evaluation. Your system of values (what you believe in), your culture
and your environment all contribute to the fear, doubt and mistrust you
experience. But with faith in God and your abilities, every fear that
besets you can be cancelled. Rather than trust in your own capability,
exhibit confidence in God. You can do all things through Him because He
will strengthen you and direct your activities.

Now that you have at least one fear isolated, it's time for analyzation.
Begin this procedure by disposing of what other people may think. Their
pessimistic ideas, judgments, and rejection are their own issues that have
no bearing on who you are; and they certainly don't determine who you can
become. That power lies within you; it's all yours. And know that you
cannot run away from your fears - they will linger and become more damaging
until you deal with them. Strive to change every condition that gives rise
to alarm in your life. Do not hesitate to seek professional assistance with
understanding and resolving your fears.

The next step in the process of evaluating your fears is to take control of
negative, self-defeating thoughts. Re-focus! Force yourself to think of
something else quickly. Say, "I CAN and I WILL do this! I WILL overcome my
fears!" Sing an uplifting song, get on the treadmill, take a few laps, or
take a walk in the flower garden. Again, keep in mind you are not your
thoughts; neither are you your feelings. You are not hopelessly doomed to
failure. YOU ARE wonderfully made by the hand of God. With His mighty hand
and outstretched arm YOU WILL conquer every terror, every doubt and every
bit of mistrust so you can fulfill your most precious desires. So how do
you move forward? How do you re-focus and change your thought patterns?
Here's how:

1. Admit your fears and vow to leave your comfort zone to conquer them
2. Ascertain what beliefs or values contributed to this fear(s)
3. Dissect large fears into manageable small pieces; be patient in mastering

them
4. Visualize the thing(s) you fear and determine how you will handle it
5. Pray and meditate daily - recite positive affirmations throughout the day
6. Seek clarity in whatever you think, feel and say; smile more often
7. Adopt positive thinking techniques; replace negative self-talk
immediately
8. Label essentials as desires and preferences; this helps reduce stress in
your life
9. Become a better money and time manager; take some classes
10. Make well, thought-out decisions promptly; don't procrastinate
11. Let the past remain in the past; profit from your mistakes and move
forward
12. Be optimistic despite your anxieties; turn your obstacles into
opportunities
13. Replace 'need to or have got to' with 'want to or would like to'
statements
14. Don't allow your feelings to control your actions; change your routine
15. Notice how other people behave and handle their fears

Conquering fear, doubt and mistrust require that you change your focus.
Conquering fear, doubt and mistrust require that you perform in spite of
your fright. It demands you know who you are, and be well aware that your
mental conceptualizations do not represent you. It insists that you re-focus
starting now and alter your thought patterns, getting rid of pessimism in
all of its forms. Your successfulness both commences and is accomplished in
your mind. Do all that is within your power to change your old way of
thinking and believing. Change the things you can, and learn how to live
more wisely with the things you can't change.

Always remember that nothing stays the same; everything changes sooner or
later. Do not let yourself concentrate on frightening thoughts. What you
believe you will achieve. If you're down you will get up, and you will grow
into the person you have always dreamed of becoming. The change won't happen
overnight. It will take weeks, months, maybe even years to get to that
exact place - but with determination and persistence you will arrive. Make
it a fun trip! Today is the beginning of your new life. Step up to the
plate - step out and acquire all that is rightfully yours. You can do it!
Yes you can!

True courage is not the absence of fear; it's the mastery of fear. - Mark
Twain