Internet Business Mastery: Business Development and Internet Marketing for the Web 2.0 Age

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I’ve figured out a sure way avoid failure. That’s right. I said “failure.” It’s not a word that we us often on Internet Business Mastery. But this is too important not to say it like it is.

Ask yourself this: “When was the last time I felt fear?” I’m not talking about stress. We all have some of that every day. And I’m not talking about fear of a bear in the woods. What I mean is feeling out of your depth, uncertain of the future or not up to the task.

I gotta tell you, last month I was feeling great. Life was smooth sailing. For six or more weeks I hadn’t had a work day that was over four hours long and most were only two. The holidays were spent with family and friends. I watched movies, ate good food, bought gifts loved ones. It felt like there wasn’t a care in the world.

So, naturally, when the new year hit I was starting to get concerned.

Don’t get me wrong. The time of renewal was well appreciated. We all need some of that. I wouldn’t change anything. But as of January 1 I knew it was time to shake things up again.

For me the reason for being is happiness. Life has taught me time and again that, though happiness is not a destination, happiness requires growth. Growth requires stepping out of your comfort zone. When you step out of that zone, you can definitely feel it.

It feels unfamiliar. The unfamiliar is scary. But growth requires trying new things. It’s just like your muscles. They won’t grow if you don’t put stress on them.

Comfort is something we all cling to. Think about it. What’s really at the root of your fear? Let’s take the specific example of being afraid of starting your own business. Chances are you’re afraid of not being able to pay the bills and not being able to buy stuff. Yes, there are a few needs that we can’t do without for survival, but I’m sure you’re well above that threshold.

It’s interesting how much we can cling to comfort. The truth is that our lives are filled with “comforts” that don’t amount to anything compared to living your purpose, feeling passionate every day or connecting with family and friends.

I’ll admit. I love stuff, too. I love stuff that makes my life more convenient. I love stuff enhances my daily experiences. I have plenty of stuff, too.

But that stuff is NEVER more important than my freedom, living my purpose or my relationships with others.

When I quit my job and started my business, I gave up some comforts. But that is what I needed in order to shake my life up and find freedom. When we moved to New York City we sold or gave away half of our possessions. But that is what we needed for my wife to go to school and pursue her passion.

Was I afraid in both those cases. You betcha! I had some level of discomfort every day. . .and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Think about some of the greatest moments in your life

• The times when you learned huge lessons.
• The times when you where happiest
• The times when you grew the most

I’m going to guess that just prior those times were other times of discomfort, fear and maybe even despair.

So here’s the big insight.

When you allow yourself to feel fear, move towards the unfamiliar, feel discomfort or stretch the limits your abilities, that’s when you can be certain that their will be a net growth in your happiness.

On the other side of that fear is an increase in purposeful living. Your relationships will be stronger. And you feel enjoy more freedom!

For me the only failure would be to not have these things — to stop growing.

That’s why I knew it was time to shake things up after the holidays. I started looking at things that scared me most — things that I was avoiding.

So take a moment to check your pulse. Are you afraid? If not, then ask yourself why. What are you avoiding? It’s time to shake things up a bit and experience the fear.

You deserve to be even happier than you are now. You are capable of being happier. You will rise to the occasion. You have the creativity within you to make it work.

So look into the fear and say, “Bring it on!”

What’s something that scares you that you will take on this year?