Humans fear risk because it involves dealing with unknown concepts and quantities. We're not sure what will happen if we take action, and that is a frightening concept in and of itself.

Unfortunately, when we fear risk of taking action, we relegate ourselves to remaining underground with mushrooms - to be waiting forever for perfect conditions. We never change. We never progress. We never become anything other than what we already are. We procastinate, and attempt to content ourselves with a 'someday I will' philosophy of living.

Do you fear risk of success?

Now modern psychology, for all its inherent flaws, tells us that most humans suffer to some degree from low self-esteem. Perhaps we're not sure of ourselves, or however subconsciously, do not believe we are worthy of success. We seem to regard 'other people' as better, more deserving, and having a successful life neatly tucked into a handbasket.

Perhaps we fear to associate in those circles of seemingly successful people - to be seen in unworthy light that we have falsely cast upon ourselves - a light that no one but us can see.

Do you fear circles of success?

Success can be measured in a multitude of ways - a successful marriage, a successful career, a successful social life, a successful vegetable garden. Success does not always relate to riches and fame, or accumulation of material wealth. But you will find that any brand of success you seek will develop only from an attitude of personal courage.

And it has been said that courage is not absence of fear, but rather ability to take action in spite of fear. Nothing, absolutely nothing in life is a sure bet, except that a mushroom will always remain a mushroom.

* http://www.ericbutterworth.com

3. Persevere

Don't give up. Make a promise that you will wake up each morning and tell yourself that today is a brand new day. Each day, make those phone calls you are afraid to make. Write those e-mail's and letters you aren't sure will get read. Network. But most importantly, feel fear and move forward anyway.

4. Ask For Help

This may be hard for you because you are used to doing things on your own. Open yourself up and ask for what you need. Be surprised and appreciative because people from unexpected places will take time to help you. Life is much easier when you are not reaching your goals alone.

5. Trust That You Will End Up In A Better Place

Stop driving yourself crazy because you know in your heart that things would improve. Recognize that your situation is only temporary. Enjoyed yourself more. Spend time getting to know you again. Lose weight, or take up a new hobby. Try new things. Get ready to grow in ways you never imagined possible. You will be stronger and wiser from this experience. You will not be same.

So what do you say? You only have one life to live so it might as well be a life you love.

**************************************************** Deborah Brown-Volkman is President of Surpass Your Dreams, a career and mentor coaching company that has been delivering a message of motivation, success, and personal fulfillment since 1998. We work with Senior Executives, Vice Presidents, Managers, and Coaches who want to enhance their careers and improve their lives. Deborah is also President of The United Coaching Alliance, a Long Island based coaching group dedicated to educating people on powerful impact a coach can have in their lives, both personally and professionally. To Learn More Visit: http://www.surpassyourdreams.com, send an e-mail to info@surpassyourdreams.com or call (516) 432-2440. ****************************************************