We know that it is human nature to play it safe. But when we really start examining our choices, how many can we say are made based on what we really want? I know for me, there is a silent compromise I make in many of my choices. I can make an excellent argument with the rationalizations I use as to why I should choose something safer or put something off. And sometimes there is real merit in my argument. For example, it makes sense in uncertain economic times to be more disciplined when spending money. However, at some point these reasons that have merit can become a convincing crutch as to why we don’t really choose what we want – even when we can reasonably do it.
Earlier this month I talked about the difference between danger and fear. Danger is an action. When we are in danger, there is action happening around us or by us that puts us in harm’s way. Fear, however, is an emotion. It is a feeling of what may come. It is fueled by overwhelming emotion that is so powerful, that it can impair our judgment. In these heightened states of fear, we lose our ability to discern what is really a threat to us.
When we choose a safer path, we are still taking a risk. We are choosing what we think will be a safe choice. But there is no way for us to really know how safe it really is. The only measurement we have is that it makes us less afraid. And we know that once our minds become consumed by fear, our thought process might not be all that reliable.
We need to challenge ourselves when making a choice and honestly ask ourselves if we are really choosing what we want, or if we are making decisions based on some underlying fear.
What choices are you making based on fear? What are you choosing that you think is safe?
