Fear not, for it will inevitably bring you down.

If you wish to excel or evolve then it's imperative to identify fear when it arises and take steps to deal with it. Negativity stems from insecurity, or fear, and that surfaces due to a lack of knowledge. It is this emotion that is typically the greatest adversary we face as human beings.

Although fear can be used as an effective tool at times, it will frequently lead to turmoil, destruction, and even devastation if left unchecked. The types of fear we experience can be grouped into two different categories. The first is natural, instinctual fear that is often triggered by a real threat whereas the second is egoic fear that typically emanates from our inflated sense of self.

Instinctual fear can help protect us in dangerous situations, so it's good to heed any such warning and take appropriate action. If you realize you're being stalked by a predator for example then it's a good thing that your 'fight or flight' mechanism is triggered so you can respond accordingly. In such situations fear is serving a useful purpose, however it's still essential to keep it in check. Acknowledge its concern but don't let it consume you or inhibit the action you need to take in order to deal with the challenge you face.

Egoic fear is often unfounded and it can bring you down, hold you back, or prevent you from doing what is best. The ego considers itself an independent entity and constantly requires a response. This leads to insecurity in and of itself, and regardless of the response the ego is rarely satisfied. As a result you begin to worry, and much of what you worry about may never come to pass. If you learn to recognize this fear as it arises, you can employ tactics to counteract it or even use it to your advantage.

For a deeper dive into the nature of fear, access the free guide to life that is offered directly through this site. That will provide you with a more detailed understanding of fear, enable you to recognize it regardless of the form it takes, and inform you on how to manage it effectively so it doesn't hold you back.