Public speaking. The dark. Asking someone on a date. Fighting a giant, scary man on TV in front of a million people. All of these carry the same amount of fear as the other – it’s all relative.
I have found in my experiences that facing fear head on is much easier than running from it. Coupled with a few other factors, that mindset is what lead me to the UFC. I HATED fighting and wanted to conquer my fear. I went right at it.
Present day, outside of the cage, I am in a scary place as well, transitioning from professional fighting to professional speaking. The arena is different, but the process is the same. I am fighting fear on a daily basis in this new arena and have found solace in the following examples. I’m confident they can help with your own fears.
We all know Jaime Foxx, a world-class entertainer. On a recent episode of The Tim Ferriss Show, Jamie offered his two cents on fear…”What’s on the other side of fear?” he asks. “Nothing.” There you have it, nothing is on the other side of fear. There is no big, scary thing waiting in the wings. You get up on stage, you turn out the lights, you ask someone on that date, you fight that scary guy…and…nada. It’s over. (See more of his take on fear here).
If myself and Jamie Foxx aren’t enough to have you face your fears, one of my favorite quotes of all time should help as well. Stoic philosopher, Seneca, offers his perspective on the issue, “There are more things that frighten us than injure us, and we suffer more in imagination than in reality.” Take that in for a minute. Keep your imagination in check.
As you move forward with the week and whatever fears you carry, remember what Jamie Foxx and Seneca have to say – and then act on it!
If you’re enjoying A Fighter’s Mindset – The Spaniard Podcast, please take a minute to leave a review. Just click here.
Spaniard
About the author : cbrenneman
Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!
Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!
Latest videos
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
Join our mailing list today
Insider offers & flash sales in your inbox every week.
Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit sed porttitor lectus.