How to Overcome Fear and Self-Doubt

How to overcome fear and self-doubt is the topic of this short blog post. In my last post, we discussed “How To Find Happiness.” In that exemplum, the wise man told the seeker of happiness, three things. One of which was:

“I am afraid you have not understood the nature nor the source of happiness. That which you are without can only be found within!”

The same wisdom applies to your discovery of how to overcome fear and self-doubt.

If you listen wisely and carefully to the words of the wise man, you will see that his insight offered two great meanings for you to ponder.

Insight #1: Anything you seem to lack can only be found within yourself.
Insight #2: The outer man we all see, reveals the hidden inner man.

Let’s start with Insight #1.

Overcome Fear and Self-Doubt From Within

You remember the Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz. The lion was a big talker on the outside. but his heart was full of fear and self-doubt. His utmost desire was to have courage. But all he could focus on was his own self-doubt and fears.

He thought he could obtain courage from the Wizard of Oz. But, the Wizard could not simply give him courage. That has to come from within. But how do you overcome your own fears and self-doubt?

How did the lion do it? The so-called Cowardly Lion eventually found the courage he wanted, not by focusing on himself and his paralyzing fears. Instead, he unwittingly found his courage by focusing on the needs of another. When Dorothy was in trouble, he forgot his own self-pity and declared,

“All right, I’ll go in there for Dorothy. Wicked Witch or no Wicked Witch, guards or no guards, I’ll tear them apart. I may not come out alive, but I’m going in there.”

That is when he gained courage – by his love for another. He learned how to overcome fear and self-doubt by forgetting himself and focusing on the troubles of another.

You can do the same.

Just as the lion could not obtain courage from the Wizard, the young man could not obtain happiness from the wise man either. Both must come from within. Happiness, like courage, can only be gained by focusing on others.

Insight #2:
The outer man we all see, reveals the hidden inner man.

Overcoming Inner Fears Manifests Courage Outwardly

The lion revealed his true nature by standing up for someone other than himself. When he first met Dorothy, he acted like a bully. But this only revealed his true inner self – He was afraid. Later, his outward actions changed as his love for Dorothy grew and his heart changed within. He was no longer concerned about himself. He became concerned for Dorothy and that love for another revealed his real courage within.

As you now recognize how to overcome fear and self-doubt you’ll also see that the courage to overcome, begins in the heart. You will do for another what you would not do for yourself. Love overcomes all.

Likewise, your personal happiness also comes from your heart being concerned for others and not your own needs. Your joy comes from the happiness you give away. Your fears and self-doubt fade in proportion to your love and concern for another.

~ Chuck Gray
Living The American Dream

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