Fear, Goals...and Fear of Goals

Today in class one of my students had a pin (needle). Not sure why he had one or where he got it, but he felt compelled to show it to me. I looked at it and asked him 'what are you doing with a needle?' Shrugging his shoulders he non-chilantly said 'I don't know, I just do.' Then he slowly brought it closer to me, I leaned further away as he moved the pin. He laughed a little (not an evil laugh, but a casual laugh) and asked if I was afraid of needles. Without hesitation I exclaimed "Yes! I don't particular like them." He told me that he was going to leave the needle somewhere where I would prick it to get over my fear of needles. Kind thought...sounds very mischievous. It got me thinking...if I faced my fears more often, could I get over them--really get over them.

I consider myself to be a very goal-oriented person. I have certain things that I want to achieve and I feel like I progress forward incrementally...sometimes a smidgen of the way, sometimes giganto leaps. I love the feeling of achievement, the satisfaction it provides. The hardwork pays off and you can reflect on the journey it took to attain the goal. I love how each experience provides opportunity for growth, new perceptions, and a chance to overcome hardship.

However, there are somethings that I really want to do...but because I am not quite sure I can excel well beyond my own expectations I never set out to fully achieve my goal. The goal itself...I don't think I really fear. I have a HUGE fear of failure. Failure. A nonsuccess. A breakdown.

Upon trying to construe this whole modge podge of a post together I have come to the conclusion that if I make my greatest attempt at a goal...and don't do an exceptional job, but I am proficient and do good...its okay. I know that if I do my best I have achieved my goal. Executed...performed...complete. In life I think we all have this little fear of failure lurking somewhere. What if I'm not good enough? What if my house isn't clean enough? What if I don't serve enough? As someone important (not sure who) once said : 'Say your prayers and do your best, and God will take care of the rest.'

Thank goodness it is enough to just do your best. Heavenly Father will carry you farther than you could have even taken yourself, further than you could have ever imagined. So don't be afraid...sonic-size your dreams. Aspire Higher...you'll get there!