Thursday, August 16, 2012

Michael Pritchard's quote on fear




"Fear is that little darkroom where negatives are developed." Michael Pritchard

In the dark corners of our minds, we create lasting pieces of fear, impeding success. Oftentimes, we fear what we know about ourselves. We make presuppositions about what could happen and when we want to accomplish something new, we predetermine our limits.

Our past assesses what we do well and what we can’t do. We make assumptions without
ever making the attempt. “I just know myself. I am not the kind of person who can do_____.”

Film can develop into colorful photographs, after emerging from the black abyss. As mentioned in previous posts, our environment establishes the dark conversations. Nonetheless, we have the power to change those thoughts.

Listen to those around you. Are the conversations continuously negative? If so, you can be the catalyst amongst your friends, family and co-workers and bring them out of the darkroom.

Start by complimenting people you know. Find something good in everyone. When people engage you in a conversation from a negative perspective, ask, “What are the benefits behind those negatives?”

When people tell you all the reasons why something is impossible, listen patiently. When they finish, acknowledge their keen insight and prowess in understanding how things work. Then you can tell them since they understand all that could go wrong, they are the best candidates to answer the following question: 

“If this situation worked, what would need to happen?” This question stops people in their tracks. If you do it often enough, you will always be looking at both sides and people will anticipate your questions, having prepared to answer with any perspective. 

Fear may stall us. However, since most fear is a presupposition about what has and never will happen, it should not stop nor control us. You have a choice. You can walk out of the darkroom with negatives or with brilliantly colorful images of the future you want to have.  

No comments:

Post a Comment