When you overcome fear you’ll find you’re on the right path and living up to your fullest potential.
How many people stay on the wrong path their whole lives out of fear and die with their “song still in them?”
What a tragedy to have so much potential and possibility to make a positive contribution to the world, and to not do it.
By holding back from doing the things that “make your heart sing,” you not only deprive yourself of a necessary growth experience but, you also deprive the world of your talents, abilities and accomplishments. What you don’t realize is that your accomplishment might be necessary to the world. It might be the catalyst for change and improvements that are vital to the future of human beings but, by holding back out of fear you are changing the course of history.
Have you ever heard of “The Butterfly Effect?”
The term “butterfly effect” was coined by a meteorologist, and was the title to a speech he gave: “Does the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas?” The term is now used to describe how even the tiniest of actions of any living creature can set off a chain of events that leads to specific outcomes which can potentially affect the world. When you hold back, out of fear, from following your heart and pursuing a new and exciting path in your life you are potentially withholding a much needed solution or change from the world.
The world needs and is depending on you
You may think, ‘I’m just a stay at home mom, what am I doing that has an impact upon the world?’ Or, ‘I’m a graphic artist for a publication, that doesn’t affect the world.’ I could list dozens, even hundreds of examples here and the answer would be the same: No matter how removed from the world stage your life is, what you do is of vital importance. The stay at home mom could be raising the future leader of a nation or might end up running for office herself one day. The graphic artist could illustrate a concept in such a way that it changes the way we think about an entire classification or system of thought about something humans have been doing. You just never know – and that’s the point.
You must live up to your full potential
When you live up to your full potential you work hard to wring every ounce of talent and ability out of yourself and share it during the course of creating your life. You don’t hold back out of fear. If you make a mistake during the process you pick yourself up and focus on fixing it and trying again. It is in the act of sharing ourselves with others that we come into our own “greatness.”
When we are all fired up over something and motivated to accomplish it we become more than we were before and in becoming more, we elevate our consciousness to the level of a visionary. We become more capable than we previously thought; we become more able to deal with challenges and adaptable to change; we become more solution oriented; we become better at seeing the big picture and what a tremendously positive effect it will have in the world.
Why were you were born?
Every person has within them “seeds of greatness” which contain the full potential they were born to express. Think of an acorn containing within it the full potential to someday become a mighty oak tree. This is the same potential that is in each and everyone of us. Who among us has not experienced that longing to be more or that inner voice compelling them to move forward into unknown territory to try something new? This is the voice of our intuition speaking and trying to get us to “remember” our soul’s mission which is our reason for living, and to activate our seeds of greatness.
When we fear the unknown so much that we refuse to carry out the mission we were born for, the seeds of greatness within dry up and become hardened pebbles. With each step we take those “pebbles” remind us of the path not taken, just as surely as we are aware of the tiniest pebble when it gets into our shoe. Even if we choose to ignore our seeds of greatness they’ll never disappear entirely. We will live out our days feeling unfulfilled and wonder “what if?” until we leave this world.
Nurturing your seeds of greatness
The way to become more and live up to the greatness within is to overcome your fears. To overcome your fears you need to replace your current system of thought. A system of thought is merely an ingrained pattern of how you’ve been interpreting information. To change your system of thought and overcome the fears that are blocking you from reaching your full potential you need to stop seeing the world as a scary place and begin seeing it as a supportive learning environment that is open to experimentation.
To nurture your seeds of greatness and give them the best environment to grow a strong root system and sprout you must let go of “either – or” thinking. In other words, either you’re a success or you’re not; you’re either right or you’re wrong; you either did everything perfectly or you just blew it so, what the hell, let’s trash the whole darn thing! Either or thinking implies that you’re thinking is based upon fear because you see everything as either “good or bad.”
The world is your laboratory
Change your system of thought to one that is conducive to your growth rather than adhering to one that constrains it. If you approach your life as one large experiment and view the world as your “laboratory” you’ll plant your seeds of greatness in an environment that nurtures their growth. If you think that bad things will happen to you if you make one mistake you prevent your seeds of greatness from taking root. Think of yourself as a scientist and each of your endeavors as an experiment.
What does a scientist do when an experiment doesn’t pan out as he or she thought it would? She make notes, studies what she did, then adjusts her hypothesis accordingly and tries again. A scientist doesn’t throw up her hands and walk away when one experiment doesn’t go as expected, and neither should you. Cultivating greatness takes time, a willingness to take risk, a mind-set of experimentation and curiosity and patience and perseverance.
Change your thinking.
This is the answer to every problem under the sun. When you change your thinking you will change your life. By changing how you perceive the world you change the trajectory of the path you’re on. This is the entire premise behind “A Course in Miracles” and behind the entire New Thought movement.
The Universe, as we see it, is what it is because we, each and everyone of us, is collectively “thinking it” into being what we see! Science is now beginning to catch up with ancient beliefs that the Universe is actually “a field of consciousness,” which is entirely malleable and responds to our every thought. This means your reality can change in the blink of an eye once you change your thoughts.
Choose now to see the world as your playground – not your prison. The only prison guards keeping you from achieving your greatness are your own beliefs and fearful thoughts.
Choose now to see the truth that the Universe is behind you 100 percent and that you are supported in everything you set out to do.
Choose now to give your dreams a chance and to activate your seeds of greatness within.
See the truth that there is a river of consciousness and possibility running beneath the current rigid thought system in the world and all you need to do is become aware of it to find it, and jump in.
Once you do find it, this river of consciousness will carry you through life and take you on an exquisite journey to your destiny, your greatness and full potential.
These three previous articles will help you to make the transition from thinking small to living up to your greatness:
To overcome your fear of making the wrong decisions and failing read my previous article: If You’ve Never Failed You Haven’t Tried Hard Enough to Succeed.
To learn how you can change the system of thought that’s been holding you back read: Rewire Your Brain: 7 Days To a New Positive You.
To know, for sure, whether you’re on the right path or not read this article: The Secret to Knowing If You’re On the Right Path.
Have you been holding yourself back in life? Do you have a dream you’re afraid to follow? What steps will you take to help you break out of the patterns that are holding you back from achieving your greatness?
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P.S. To learn more about hearing your intuition check out these books on Amazon (The Intuition Primer is FREE to Amazon Prime members).
You did it again Angela! One of the best posts I’ve read! and it comes at a time when I’m trying to overcome my fears. Another gentle ‘shove’ in the right direction just when I needed to hear it. Thank you!
Lena recently posted..…I am enough…
Lena,
How lovely to have you visit and comment!
I’m so glad this article was timely for you.
It’s my pleasure – you’re most welcome.
Have a great day!
Hi Angela,
Oops on the duplicate post!
I loved the article! How appropriate on my first day of self-employment. The Universe really is 100% with you and will support you if you only make the leap. The tough part is making the leap first and then trusting the Universe.
Laura W recently posted..Have your Spirit Guides Lost Patience with You
Hi Laura,
No prob on the dupe comment.
Self employment? How exciting.
That’s a BIG LEAP! I’m sure you’re going to do very, very well though.
Please let me know how I can be of help to you.
I love your message today, Angela. The ‘artificial you’ is a consequence of ignorance – when you ignore the truth about yourself, those seeds of greatness never get watered. I’ve discovered that covering myself over with self limiting opinions never extinguishes my authenticity, but self-honesty was essential to awakening my heart-mind to its presence.
Hi Rob,
I’m so glad you enjoyed this message today. I never thought about it that way, but would agree the perception that we are “small and incapable of greatness” would be the “artificial self” you refer too. This false self is a creation of the mind. And yes, if we are able to strip away all the false thinking and become honest with ourselves we will see just how much greatness we are capable of!
Angela,
Hello there! I am always astounded how when I read your postings, they are EXACTLY what I need to be reading at that time! You are always an inspiration and a “teacher” to me!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and wisdom!
All the best!
Michael
OutMaturity
Michael recently posted..When is a “tweet” more than just a tweet!
Michael really? Wow, I’m so glad that my posts are so synchronous for you! It’s my pleasure to share them with you.
Thank you for visiting and commenting.
Hi Angela, wow what a great post. I feel overwhelmed by the information in some ways because I want to dive deeply into all of it. I even re-read the article to fully absorb it and checked out the links. So much to contemplate and apply on this fascinating journey called life. Thank you for being here with me and for me. xo
Katie Tallo | Momentum Gathering recently posted..How to Embrace Your Humanity
HI Katie,
I’m glad you enjoyed the post and wanted to dive deeply into it! We are on a fascinating journey. If only we’d see it that way instead of being paralyzed by fears of making mistakes. Just see everything we do as an experiment and be gentle and loving toward ourselves instead of so punishing. It’s my pleasure my friend. Thanks so much for coming by and commenting. xo back!
wonderful article, but I’m afraid there are too many people clawing at the post when only one can sit on top. How many ways can one achieve self fulfillment, yet still remain financially stable. I love the positive output of this page.
jasmine recently posted..5th Anniversary Gifts
Hi Jasmine,
I’m not sure I understand what you mean?: “I’m afraid there are too many people clawing at the post when only one can sit on top.”
That’s the great challenge of life. We are here to learn how live a fulfilling life while also learning how to support ourselves in the world.
It often isn’t easy, but it’s a worthy pursuit!
Hi Angela,
There is nothing wrong with being cautious about life but when we let fear stop us from experiencing something that we really want to , then we have a problem on our hands.
I made an oath to myself to never let fear be a reason to not do something and I am sticking to it.
Blogging is an awesome way to share our music with the world.
Justin | Mazzastick recently posted..Are You A Zombie
Hi Justin,
I agree. We should be cautious and not jump into things without being informed. But, allowing fear to imprison us and keep us from living up to our full potential is wasting our lives.
I agree – blogging is an awesome way to share our music with the world!
Thank you so much for coming by and commenting!
Hi Angela,
Always aim to be the best You that you can be. Thanks for the post.
be good to yourself
David
David Stevens recently posted..Just Chilling……
Hi David.
My hope is that we all strive to be the best we can be!
Thank you for visiting and commenting.
Great post, Angela! And what a hoot–I just did a video (recorded last week, scheduled for later this week) in which I mention the Butterfly Effect. Great minds and all that.
Ande Waggener recently posted..Repeat After Me- “I Can Have That!”
Hey Ande!
Thanks! Really? I’m going to watch the video as soon as it comes out! Love that….great minds, etc!!!
I love the “either/or” scenario and butterfly effect. I’ve stopped being shy and started listening to my urges to help someone else. If I’m guided to do something for someone, I do it, period. Age might have something to do with letting go of caring what anyone else thinks and just going for it
Julie | A Clear Sign recently posted..Its One Free Intuitive Question and Answer Week!
Hi Julie,
I love that you’ve stopped listening to others and are now following your inner guidance more completely!
I do think we become free of the “group think” as we age. One of the positive benefits of gaining wisdom as we age!!
How coincidental!! I was intending to write a post about overcoming fears just yesterday but somehow didn’t get round to it. I enjoyed reading your perspective though. It’s a post which is very powerful and inspiring!
Thumbs up to your message that we have the potential of greatness in all of us. I like that you said: You may think, ‘I’m just a stay at home mom, what am I doing that has an impact upon the world?’ I have a few friends who have this line of thinking. They cannot see beyond their daily tasks. I wonder what will happen when the children have all grown up.
Evelyn Lim recently posted..21 Role Models for Success
Evelyn,
I don’t believe in coincidences!! LOL! We are on the same wavelength!
I can’t wait to read your post!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post so much~! It’s a pleasure to hear you say that.
It’s true that so many of us downplay our role in the world. We are all important and here at this time for a purpose.
Good point: what will happen when they are not longer “mothering?” Will they find fulfillment in life?
Hi Angela,
It is a tragedy that many people do not unleash their fullest potential and make a positive contribution to the world. How different the world would be if everyone did. Since each of us has a unique role to play here on Earth, by not living up to that responsibility, the world and the people around us are poorer because of it. I agree fully with you that our accomplishments are necessary to the world. Who knows how many generations we have set the world back by not fulfilling our potential. It is a grave and heavy responsibility that not many of us are aware of.
It is funny how our thoughts hold us back from the true greatness we should attain. Indeed the mind is a good servant but a poor master. So many of our fears only exist in our minds. And these fears are not an actual representation of reality. Since we learned everything from birth, it is possible to unlearn and change the way we think. It is like discarding ineffective thoughts for more effective ones as we would change the clothes we have grown out of.
Thank you for sharing this important article. We must all change our thinking and manage failure effectively to fulfill our destinies. The world depends on us in ways that we may not yet realize.
Irving the Vizier
The Vizier recently posted..The Two Biggest Lessons From The Art of War
Irving,
I love what you said here:
So many of our fears only exist in our minds. And these fears are not an actual representation of reality. Since we learned everything from birth, it is possible to unlearn and change the way we think. It is like discarding ineffective thoughts for more effective ones as we would change the clothes we have grown out of.
Very true and full of wisdom!
Thank you for leaving such an insightful comment!
Awesome advice as always, Angela! I’ve decided to drop everything and just raise butterflies now. Just think of all the changes I’ll be starting! Also they’re pretty.
Don’t go blaming me for tornadoes, though. I’m a Good Witch. Mostly.
Anna Barlowe recently posted..Equity
Anna,
You are such a hoot! Love this. (I actually had a small butterfly farm in the backyard of the house I recently sold….LOL!)
I know you are a good witch Glenda!
This is one of my favorite Angela posts! I read it yesterday and printed it out. Also loved the posts you linked to – they truly support the transition from playing small to living up to one’s greatness.
It can be a big scary transition, but to really go for it and show up 100% in life, but advice and encouragement like this create a bridge from living small to to living fully.
Aileen | Kaizen Vision recently posted..Unclutter the Path to Your Dreams
HI Aileen,
OMG. Isn’t it funny that the posts I whip out the fastest are people’s favorites, and the ones I slave over for hours aren’t?
I love to be inspired. Inspiration gets me from one step to the other, which is why I suppose I love to write inspiring posts!
Thank you so much for you lovely compliment. xoxo
Angela,
This post is huge and filled with good stuff. A Course In Miracles is an amazing book that’s helped me establish peace in my life. We still attend a group on Monday nights when we’re in town.
Tess The Bold Life recently posted..You’re Invited- To Change the World
Tess,
Code word: HUGE. I know. I went a bit long here. LOL.
ACIM is amazing. I used to take classes in the early 80s at a New Age book store on ACIM.
ACIM is one of the things that helped me realize the power of our thoughts.
Very inspirational post Angela, it all comes down to a choice to overcome that fear and see the true potential within ourselves.
Todd | Channelingmyself recently posted..Feeling From The Heart
Hi Todd,
I’m so glad you found the post inspirational.
I was responding to Aileen’s comment about the post being inspiring and I realized that I need inspiration as much as anyone. I write the posts to inspire myself as well as the readers. It serves as a my own reminder to keep “stretching” as far as I can in life. I hope you keep “stretching” toward your greatness too!
Opening The seeds to greatness is through fear conquering. Grab fear by the bra strap and let YOUR bosoms hand loose. Never allowing fear keep you from being as naked as you want to be. Exposed for all to see and allowing life to never be a regret, but an exposure of who you ARRRRR!!!
Great Jonathan! Thanks!
Angela,
I love the idea of a Butterfly Effect. Have you seen the Aston Kutcher movie of the same name? It’s really good and has several different endings. I remember when I first realized that fear is what holds us back, and to just go for it. It’s a freeing thing. Thanks and I’ll retweet your wonderful motivational read!
HI Betsy,
No, I haven’t seen Kutcher’s movie. Was it good? Should I download and watch it?
I actually think our whole purpose for being born into the physical realm is to learn to overcome our fears of what we perceive as separation from our spiritual source.
Thank you – thank you Betsy. I really appreciate your tweets! xoxo
Spread your wings and just fly! Asking for Divine assistance with letting go of these fears has been soooo amazing on this journey. Ask you do this..you will find that it all starts with the thoughts. You really do feel like a NEW you once you let go…almost like you can conquer anything
Hi Kenya,
Yes, I agree. When we realize we can fly it is an amazing feeling. Go for it – jump and your wings will open!
I think the fear is that we actually have nothing of greatness to offer when, in fact, we all have inbuilt brilliance waiting to be recognised. Your post has helped encourage that process Angela and for fear to be a thing of the past. I salute you for this clarion call!
Hi John,
You are so right, as usual! Fear is and illusion and is meaningless – it’s us that give it so much power.
I think everyone has greatness within them, whether it’s the greatness to cook an inspired meal that satisfies and nurtures or the greatness to lead and motivate legions. It’s all the same greatness! Thank you again for being so supportive John!
Angela, I don’t know how you do it (I find myself wishing you’d include a podcast of your posts so I could listen to you speak them!) Just this one line could have me going for days:
“the Universe is actually “a field of consciousness,” which is entirely malleable and responds to our every thought. This means your reality can change in the blink of an eye once you change your thoughts.”
I love the thought that the universe is conspiring on my behalf. What is it’s true? What if it IS all an illusion? That means anything’s possible. That’s the way we could explain HOW anything’s possible!
I blogged about anxiety today – another example of great minds thinking alike.
Lori
Hi Lori,
Oh thank you so much. I need, no actually, I require a dose of inspiration to pull me up by the bootstraps once in a while so these posts are my own little pep talk, believe it or not!
RE: The universe – this is how physicists are now describing how the Universe works. This is taken right from what’s called “string theory.” And you’re right! It does mean that everything we see in here in the physical plane is an illusion which we have collectively created and bought into. It’s like “group think” on steroids! But, it does mean exactly what you say: Anything is possible! We only need to believe it to create it.
Absolutely – great minds – yes!! Thanks for sharing your great mind here with us Lori!~ xo
Great article Angela! In some parts of my life I have been courageous and in others fearful. Fear has stopped me from fully living the life that I want. I have been holding back on all that I can be–not expressing my full self for fear of what others will think or maybe fear of who I will become–fear of my own greatness. You are right. It is about a shift in thinking and then taking a risk. Your article reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
Hi Lisa,
How are you? I’ve been off FB trying to get some work done offline.
It’s great to see you here. Thanks so much for your lovely endorsement of the article.
I think we all have those areas of our lives where we are more courageous and willing to take a risk and then those other parts where we are less confident. I know I do. I agree- fear of what people will think is HUGE! I also agree – there are all these fears of actually realizing how much greatness you have within too. I love that quote!
Thanks so much for stopping in and commenting Lisa. Have a great weekend!
Angela,
This is so inspiring – and I’m especially drawn to the butterfly effect. Everything we do – it has an impact. And when we can do that from a place that has deep meaning for us – wow!!
I believe, also, that the more we connect with our true core – the more we allow others to see that within themselves. And what a beautiful thing that is…
Mmmmm…I love reading this today…
Hi Lance,
I’m so glad you found this article today. If it picked you up I feel I did my ‘job.’
Have a very happy father’s day!
Hi Angela,
Stopped here uninvited, hope you don’t mind:)
I can feel lot’s of encouragement in your writing. It is a feel good stuff. I like it.
I just saw a tweet somewhere, that is related to your post: “Replace the fear of unknown with curiosity”.
Greetings,
Derek
Hi Derek,
It’s a pleasure to meet you. You don’t need an invitation to visit.
I have an open door policy! LOL
I’m glad you enjoyed this post.
Please do stop in anytime.
All my best,
Angela