Powerful Ways to Be Fearless
By: Vinod Bhardwaj
Tags: Reality, Nichiren Buddhism, Humanity, Uniqueness, Fearless

Someone once told me the definition of hell: “On your last day on earth, the person you could have become will meet the person you became.” When I first heard this line, it sent shivers down my spine. Why? Because by the time I was 26, I had lost my entire student life through fear: fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of risk, fear of change, and most of all, fear of anxiety. Finally, I failed in the Numerical Analysis paper in my first semester of Masters in Computer Science. I almost decided to leave my master’s degree. Timely advice from Admiral Kanan saved me.

We all have fear — it’s an emotion that’s as normal as breathing. Fear plays a huge role in nearly everyone’s life. Unfortunately, for many, emotional pain from the past drives these fears. Because of this, most of us do whatever it takes to avoid those situations in the future, and it can have a significant impact on our actions. Maybe you’re not addicted to drugs. Perhaps you’ve never struggled with anxiety. But we all have fears. To identify what might be holding you back, you need to reflect on this. Are you afraid to ask that person out through fear of rejection? Are you unhappy in your current job, but you’re scared of change? Do you know what lights that fire in your belly, but you’re letting your dreams slip through your fingers because you’re afraid of failure?

All of these fears are perfectly understandable, especially when past experiences are driving them. But imagine how life might look if you push through these fears. Imagine if you began asking yourself this question: “What would I do if I wasn’t afraid?”

By telling people how you feel, you might find the partner of your dreams. By sitting with your anxiety instead of avoiding it, you might realize that it’s not as scary as you believed it would be. By having those difficult conversations, you might save your relationship or get that promotion. And by embracing failure and shooting for the stars, you could be living the life of your dreams. The problem is that most people cling to their fears and are therefore unable to move forward in their lives with the necessary change.

I have learned a lot about fear in my life as a professional in the armed forces and Corporate World. I’ve learned that the only difference between people who achieve greatness and those who do not is that the former ditched their fear. Many of the methods I have used to prepare for tremendous performances have helped me conquer fear in other life areas. Here’s how you can start overcoming fear:

When you make decisions based on what is always valid and works, instead of guessing other people’s agendas, you advance your Life. Why don’t you train yourself in the fundamental realities of life that are true for everyone? You already know that if you don’t pay attention, you have collisions.

You already know that you are unique. No two humans are identical. Even identical twins have some small variations and often develop differing personalities. You already know that you depend on oxygen, water, and food. You get clothing and other commodities from the rest of society. You probably didn’t invent this Internet or the devices you are using.

You have experienced the ‘goes around, comes around’ effect. Sometimes the connections aren’t obvious, yet you take actions every day and expect commensurate results. You breathe and expect oxygen to reach your cells. You keep seeing things change, yet Life goes on. You know that attitude and aptitude are both critical. You know that none of us was born knowing what we know now. To advance in Life, you have to receive training and train yourself.

When you make decisions based on what is always valid and works, instead of guessing other people’s agendas, you advance your Life. Why don’t you train yourself in the fundamental realities of life that are true for everyone?

When you advance your Life, you can also help others and make things better all around. You know that it is more fun to live among happy, prosperous people than unhappy, frustrated people. You also understand that to effect change reliably; you need to take action with the right tools. Many people developed the tools for reliable life changes over a long time. They are available for free, and the steps can be taken wherever, whenever you choose.

What’s stopping you?

The details of Life are often as confusing as driving in fog. See-through the mist with the light of the four essential relationships of Life. The Bold words are part of the mantra you can use to get more transparency. Here is my experience based on being a follower of Nichiren Buddhism philosophy since 2009. Nichiren Buddhism focuses on the Lotus Sutra doctrine that all people have an innate Buddha-nature and are therefore inherently capable of attaining enlightenment in their current form and present lifetime. There are three essential aspects to Nichiren Buddhism, the undertaking of faith, chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo accompanied by selected recitations of the Lotus Sutra, and Nichiren’s study scriptural writings called Gosho.

You respect reality, Nam. You are unique and part of the whole. Myoho What you do makes a difference, and you can wake up at any time. Renge. Lives change, yet Life goes on. Kyo. You breathe in seconds rhythms, have a heartbeat in seconds rhythms, have brainwaves in many beats, eat-drink-purge in parts of days meters. It is best to also nourish-clear your mind-heart in rhythms, twice a day.

To be fearless, no matter what happens, is the root of true happiness. To move forward resolutely, regardless of what lies in store-that is the spirit, the resolve, leading to human victory-Daisaku Ikeda