Visualize yourself in the center of a boxing ring, the bell has sounded and your opponent is moving towards you. You can either jump over the ropes and head for the nearest exit or face your fear. Oh, by the way, if you try to escape from fear you'll be down for the count because your fear goes with you no matter where you try to hide. The choice is yours.

It's only by taking action that we improve the quality of our life. If we don't take action and move beyond our doubts and fears, our world gets smaller and smaller. Soon we've backed ourself into a corner and, unless we want to continue feeling trapped and unhappy, the situation becomes so painful that we're forced to break free of our self-imposed boundaries. To do that, we just need to change the way we view our doubts and fears. We need to remember “All things work for the good for those who believe in God” - in other words - “As long as we take action, we are a winner!”

Let me give you a personal example. I remember years ago when I had an anxiety attack while I was flying back to Los Angeles with a boss that I didn't particularly like. I felt trapped because I couldn't get away from the feelings I had about my boss. He was sitting right next to me. I couldn't change seats, write down my thoughts, go for a walk in nature or use any of my other coping skills. I was reacting out of fear because I thought if I told my boss the truth about his inappropriate behavior the night before, I'd lose my job.  

I had to contain my feelings until the end of the flight and it was tough! After that trip, I became afraid to fly. I had flown on business trips for many years and up to that point I enjoyed traveling. For awhile I successfully got out of every business trip that involved stepping foot on an airplane. I thought that would prevent another anxiety attack. Then I spoke to a friend who pointed out that I wasn't really afraid of flying, I was afraid of confronting my boss and it was easier to avoid flying than it was to avoid my boss.
 
I decided that I had to test that premise so I made plans to take a short flight to visit a friend in Tucson. I was very nervous before I boarded the flight and brought along some affirmations to read, some paper to record my thoughts and feelings and a cassette with calming music. The flight was a breeze and I felt terrific because I faced my fear. Had I not done so, this fear would have continued to impact my business decisions as well as my personal decisions. I would have limited my vacations to places I could reach by car. By triumphing over my fear, I gained the courage to face other challenges, including eventually talking to my boss. Now when I have a doubt or fear, I KNOW that I'll be able to overcome it because I have first-hand experience from confronting my fear of flying.

What action do you plan on taking the next time you have a doubt or fear? Your decision will determine the quality of your life.