Franklin D. Roosevelt, in his first inaugural address once uttered one of the most moving phrases in history. As he stood accepting his role as newly appointed president of the United States he said,  “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”

No truer words have ever been spoken.

Fear can be a great paralyzer, for even when there is nothing to be really afraid of just the thought of the worst case scenario coming true is enough to stop you dead in your tracks.

It is always the What if?

9 times out of 10 the worst case scenario never happens. The fear is always bigger than the actual outcome.

You will not know this until you take action.

I cannot tell you how many times I have feared something, refused to act, and as a result missed out.

But I can also tell you of the times when I pushed forward despite the fear and realized that my perception was way over exaggerated. As a result of pushing forward, I received a massive benefit

Roosevelt went on to say in his speech, “These dark days will be worth all they cost us if they teach us that our true destiny is not to be ministered unto but to minister to ourselves and to our fellow men.”

This is so relevant in our times.

So I say in encouragement to you. Don’t let fear keep you from getting all the things you deserve.

Yes, things don’t always workout.

More times than not they do, but you will never know until you try.

Works Cited:

History Matters. “Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself”: FDR’s First Inaugural Address.

Web. http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5057/%20.