In January of 2015, I wrote "Spirit & Truth: 52 Encouraging Messages for America's Law Enforcement." In March of 2015, I self-published that same book, and it sold all across the United States in paperback and e-book format. During promoting my book and handling all aspects of the marketing (while working a full-time job), I was approached by numerous small-business owners to consult with them on social media marketing, website design, and other business related issues.
I tell you all of this for a reason. You see, I was afraid to write this book because I felt like no one would ever buy it, that I would be ignored, perceived as irrelevant, or worse; rejected. Isn't this a basic fear of most writers, though? None of these could have been further from the truth. Because I was willing to overcome the fear of writing the book, I was positioned to succeed as a full-time small business owner. In September of 2015, I turned in my notice and resigned from law enforcement. I did not resign because I was in trouble or couldn't handle the job any longer. I resigned because demand for business caused me to reflect and make some tough decisions. Since the day I left, business has consistently increased and improved in all aspects. Overcoming fear positioned me for success in business.
You see, in business, my mission has been to solve marketing problems. Fear tried to stop me. If I would have never written the book, my talents in marketing, speaking, and website development and design would have likely remained unseen. Deep down, I believe I have always wanted to leave my mark and make the world a better place, even if it was an infinitely small difference. I know life is short and how soon it can end for any of us, our loved ones or friends. I know, it may sound a bit narcissistic. However, I am candid with you. How can any of this help you? How does any of this apply to you?
Enter the "F" Word: Fear Once we learn to handle fear, overcome fear, and act on the other side of fear, our decisions in life become a little easier, a little clearer and success is not near as far away as it was before. For me, the majority of things "fear" was saying to me were lies. They were possibilities but lies nevertheless. We face fear every day, whether we acknowledge it or not.
Many days, we overcome fear without even thinking about it. One of my good friends, Brett Smith, also the owner of Dothan Ice Cream Company in Dothan, Alabama, recently spoke at an American Advertising Federation meeting where I was in attendance. Brett mentioned some things about fear, and I wanted to relay them to you.
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Fear is a Horrible Driver. Fear fears Action. Fear is Fickle. Fear is not a Real Thing. We need to let fear know who's in charge." -- Brett Smith
If you are in business, don't allow fear to keep you from achieving the next level of success. Fear is, in its truest form, a lie. In relationships do not allow fear to cause undue friction. In parenting, don't allow fear to keep you from saying, "I am sorry." In life, don't allow fear to keep you from pursuing your dreams, no matter how high the leap, how steep the climb, or how difficult the road may seem.
Tell fear it is a liar and go after what is yours. Regardless of where we are in life, what phase we may be in, fear can overwhelm us if we allow it. Take a step today and overcome fear, let it know who the boss is.
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