Facing The Enemies Within

Facing The Enemies Within

We are not born with courage, but neither are we born with fear.

Maybe some of our fears are brought on by your own
experiences, by what someone has told you, by what you've read in the papers.


Some fears are valid, like walking alone in a bad part of
town at two o'clock in the morning. But once you learn to
avoid that situation, you won't need to live in fear of it.


Fears, even the most basic ones, can totally destroy our
ambitions. Fear can destroy fortunes. Fear can destroy
relationships. Fear, if left unchecked, can destroy our
lives. Fear is one of the many enemies lurking inside us.


Let me tell you about five of the other enemies we face from within.
The first enemy that you've got to destroy before it
destroys you is indifference. What a tragic disease this is.
"Ho-hum, let it slide. I'll just drift along." Here's one
problem with drifting: you can't drift your way to the top
of the mountain.


The second enemy we face is indecision. Indecision is the
thief of opportunity and enterprise. It will steal your
chances for a better future. Take a sword to this enemy.


The third enemy inside is doubt. Sure, there's room for
healthy skepticism. You can't believe everything. But you
also can't let doubt take over.

Many people doubt the past, doubt the future, doubt each other, doubt the government,
doubt the possibilities and doubt the opportunities.
Worse of all, they doubt themselves.
I'm telling you, doubt will destroy your life
and your chances of success. It will empty both your bank account and your heart.

Doubt is an enemy. Go after it. Get rid of it.


The fourth enemy within is worry. We've all got to worry
some. Just don't let it conquer you. Instead, let it alarm
you. Worry can be useful. If you step off the curb in New
York City and a taxi is coming, you've got to worry. But you
can't let worry loose like a mad dog that drives you into a
small corner.


Here's what you've got to do with your worries: drive them
into a small corner. Whatever is out to get you, you've got
to get it. Whatever is pushing on you, you've got to push
back.


The fifth interior enemy is over-caution. It is the timid
approach to life. Timidity is not a virtue (unlike humility
- they are different); in fact, it can be an illness. If you
let it go, it'll conquer you. Timid people don't get
promoted. They don't advance and grow and become powerful in
the marketplace. You've got to avoid over-caution.


Do battle with the enemy. Do battle with your fears. Build
your courage to fight what's holding you back, what's
keeping you from your goals and dreams. Be courageous in
your life and in your pursuit of the things you want and the
person you want to become.


To Your Success,
Jim Rohn