On the other side of the coin from the last discussion is the school of thought that says that fear is an internal
mechanism that is wholly within us. Let’s look at it through this lens and assume that fear is simply a feeling or emotion that is entirely fueled by the power that an individual gives it. If this is true, then the solution to dealing with fear is an internal one. Your ability to overcome it is completely a result of your own efforts and abilities. Beating fear becomes the result of great coping mechanisms that placate our own delusions and beliefs. The good thing about this school of thought is that you are empowered to conquer this without any outside interference. The downside is that failure in this area can create self-doubt and a poor image that could ultimately end up in self-hatred.
When fear is perceived as an internal struggle it typically rears its head in the form of negative thoughts and critical self talk. You have heard people claim that I am my own worst enemy. This is the result of fear being an internal conflict. If our thoughts become toxic, our whole lives will eventually follow. It might be a slow progression, but it will happen over time. The end result of this can be devastating.
I personally have some pretty strange beliefs that would challenge a lot of people. Often in discussions people will ask me, do you really think that? Oftentimes I respond with no, I really believe that. Huge difference! People will risk a hell of a lot more for what they really believe over what they simply think. It is not what I think about myself that guides my actions, it is what I believe about my life that does.
So is fear an external entity, or an internal struggle? Next time I will share with you what I personally believe, and talk more about the inner or outer icky-ness called fear. We will jump into my personal experience with dealing with fear and talk more about how to Jump Afraid.