In a previous post I talked about Fear as the Winter Warlock in a beloved Christmas special. To soften that feeling, I imagined the scene where Santa gives the scary sorcerer a toy, and he melts into a nice guy and ally. Cue the cute music. The End.

But as nice as that would be, it really isn’t. Fear, or any strong emotion, can be downright cunning and will not be dismissed so easily. It shapeshifts. Comes at you from a different angle. Tries a different tack. But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. The same methods that worked with Winter still can work with another face of fear, which lately happens to be a nasty drill sergeant (think Lou Gossett Jr., in “An Officer and a Gentleman”).

Imagine this conversation:

Me: I’m thinking about writing a book.

Drill Sergeant: STAND DOWN. YOU CAN’T DO THIS. YOU’VE NEVER DONE THIS. AND EVEN IF YOU DO, YOU’LL FAIL.

(All caps intended – he likes to YELL.)

Me: Well, you’ve got some good points. I have never done this. But there are resources out there.

Drill Sergeant: YOU MUST LISTEN TO ME! I OWN YOU! I ORDER YOU TO STAND DOWN! DROP AND GIVE ME 20 AND THEN GET BACK TO YOUR LIFE.

Me: Thank you, voice, for always speaking up and trying to ensure my safety and security. I appreciate your input. But my growth requires that I take a step, just one small step, toward doing something that fulfills me.

Drill Sergeant (louder and more strident): YOU CAN’T DO THIS!

Me (trying to soften the situation and imagining Lou Gossett in a Halston gown): That’s a nice pink dress you’re wearing……Sir.

I’m learning that when it comes to fear, insight isn’t inoculation. It helps, yes, but unless we take the actions that lead to behavior change, the power of insight and knowledge is limited. And putting on your red shoes and running is pointless. Fear will just give chase.

I’m learning that the key is to take a small step, almost like tiptoeing around a sleeping guard dog. Any project we undertake, whether at work or on a part of ourselves, always begins with just one step. And it can be a very small step. Open a new PowerPoint file. Make one phone call. Set up a meeting with a client. Google publishers that take new authors. Drink one glass of water a day.

And I’m learning to stay in the present moment. As someone who spends so much time in the future I ought to pay property taxes there, I know it’s tough. I’m not very good at it. But I keep trying, and trust that the right next step will be revealed when it’s time.