Fear prevents us from doing many things in life. You have probably heard the acronym for FEAR - False Evidence Appearing Real.

Often the things that we fear are built up in our minds to become much greater than what they really represent. For instance, take a common fear that many women have - mice. What can a mouse do to hurt you? The answer is - virtually nothing. So most of the fear of mice is from something that is falsely believed in the mind.

Lots of people fear success. They believe, also falsely, that money is evil. It is not. Money is a neutral commodity used as a means of exchange. How can such a thing be evil?

These people do not want to become successful because of the tainted money associated with it. To such people I always ask this question: "Do you believe that you are evil?" Invariably they reply: "No. Of course not!" Then I ask: "Do you believe that having money will make you evil?" Again they answer no. But they are still convinced that the money itself is evil. This is because most of them have been mis-quoted a saying from the bible, which they then perpetuate by repeating it themselves: "Money is the root of all evil."

The bible does not say that at all. Here is what it really says at 1Timothy 6:10 - "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

So many people quote a mis-quote as justification for not being successful.

I have consistently found that action reduces fear. The longer you delay something the longer it has to fester into fear.

A little bit of action removes a little bit of fear. Keep going and more fear is removed. The more you do the more fear is removed.

Things often build up in our minds disproportionately to the reality that they represent.

Incidentally, in the example before where I mentioned people not wanting to become successful because of their belief that money is evil, here is another way of looking at it. If you believe that you are a good person who does good things then you can collect all this "evil" money and remove it from the grasp of people who are evil and who would do evil things with it. Take it out of circulation.

Create some action. Reduce your fear - real or imagined. By injecting more and more action you will eventually eliminate your fear. Test my belief. Find something that causes you fear. Chip away at it. You will find that the only fear there is will be the false evidence that appears real.

This article comes with reprint rights providing no changes are made and the resource box below accompanies it.

Gary Simpson

Gary Simpson lives in Perth, Western Australia.

His passions are writing (of course), reading, karate, body building, investment and growing tropical palms.

His website is devoted to helping people achieve greater success and self esteem through personal development.

Gary is a regular contributor to numerous magazines and newspapers. His articles and short stories appear in many forums. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, they are now being shared worldwide.

He has written eight books:

LARGE VOLUMES:

- "Journey,Life and Destiny" - personal development (2 vols)

- "How to Save $1000's and Increase Your Personal Net Wealth"

- "Brain Training - Affirmations to Strengthen Mind and Body"

- "Strike Back 1" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

- "Strike Back 2" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

SHORT VOLUMES:

- "The Power of Choice" (FREE e-book) - a popular story about a man looking back on his achievements from the hereafter. It is a poignant story that has received accolades from all over the world - from Iceland to Canada to Great Britain to Morocco to New Zealand to the Czech Republic to the USA - and dozens of countries in between.

The Power of Choice is a free resource and can be downloaded directly from Gary's website.

- "Using Motivation and Self Esteem to Excel in Everything You Do" (FREE e-book) - valuable resource to introduce newcomers to the wonders of personal development. This book is available on request. You can secure your copy by leaving your name and email address (no "hotmail" addresses accepted) at his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website.

Gary's unique approach has been shaped by his 35 year pursuit of karate and his 15 year study of the principles of motivation. He has two personal mottos. These are:

"Excellence of Execution."

and

"Imagination is Infinite."

You can learn a great deal about all matters regarding motivation and self esteem at his website. You will find articles, interviews with achievers, motivational messages and other material. You can even opt to receive free material by visiting the "zenspiration" page.

The Motivation and Self Esteem for Success website was constructed by Linda Caroll who Gary has called the "Kyoshi of Website Design" (In karate terminology Kyoshi means "Polished Master"). Visit Gary's website to see for yourself.