Nobody likes to face death. Actually, nobody even wants to talk about it including me. There have been many a night where I was drifting off into sleep when I suddenly realized with a gut wrenching realization that no matter what I could possibly try, my existence on this planet will eventually be over.
Fertilizer.
Now what do you do with such a cheery thought? You can keep stuffing it into the back of your mind or you can use it. If you think about a lot of your actions in regards to trying new activities on going out on a limb, you probably back off frequently. Why? Because of your emotional drive for survival. At some level you see these new things as possible risks. Even though you may not tie them directly, you are fearing for your survival. You fear death and now your actions are killing your life and adventure.
You’ve given into death and not even flipped him the bird.
Let’s take this to the extreme. What if you never left the house, never tried anything risky or new until the day you died long into the future. Just maybe, because you never put yourself out there emotionally or physically, you never suffered any consequences. You made it all the way to 110 sitting on your couch. The most depressing thing? You have no stories, adventures, relationships and a ton of “I wish I had”.
Use death as a tool. It’s there and it’s not going away. Use it.
Here is what I mean. When you think of death or feel that fear, let it make you angry. Go ahead and feel that panic about the fact that time is running out and no matter what you will be snuffed from this physical existence. Then use it to motivate you for huge action.
You are laying there and you sit bolt upright with a knot in your stomach. You want to hit something, cry or simply freak out. I understand. Now what is the biggest action you could take in your life that you are scared of doing? Asking for a raise? Asking that girl of your dreams out on a date? Calling that huge company and setting up a meeting to negotiate a contract? Going to the gym in front of all those people? What about that trip you have been putting off to Thailand?
DO IT.
You have to stop being weak and face the inevitable. A coward dies a thousand deaths but the hero dies only once. Punch death in the face and use it to make this life as incredible as possible. Go places and do things that make your life a story worth reading about.
Stop surviving and start thriving. You only get one shot. At least pull the trigger.
Wow, this blog really puts things in perspective. I can’t say that I have been able to use death as tool yet in my own life, but what a great concept! This would really help me to focus in on what really matters most in this life.
You know this is a very message. I know it will take some time to sink in but you can bet I will be thinking about this concept in the days to come. If I really let myself face the fear of death in this PROACTIVE way, my life will change. Wow, Ray, thank you. BTW, I have never ‘replied’ to an article before. This one in unique. A game changer.
Joe, I appreciate you saying that and taking the time to reply. Candice, if it makes you focus then I’ve had a great day.
Ray,
I’ve been facing a big decision for a long time. It won’t go away and you’re right. I have to do it. Thank you for the nudge in the right direction.
All the best,
Charles
Ray, this blog speaks to me and I appreciate you taking the time to write about something as basic but as crucial to happiness as facing your fears. I would take it one step further and remind people of the incredible natural high and innate joy you will get from punching your fears in the face, knowing what you can accomplish and finding success…no matter how small…which will lead you off the couch and on with life! Thanks Ray.
Ray,I recently made a huge decision for my life, and seeing this has really put things in to perspective, I’m from the UK so theres no real chance of me seeing your visits… any chance you’ll come over? I have always had a fear of running infront of people for some reason, but with this I think I can manage it! thanks Becky
Julie, that made me laugh… Becky, you can manage to do anything you want. Go run… you’ve have plenty of time to not run in about 80 years…. AND think about all the people in wheel chairs that WISH they could… I think about this whenever something is sore. At least I have the ability to feel from the waist down unlike some people….
Ray, Thank you. Thank you thank you. I will do what you said.
I’m getting pumped up just thinking about you folks
Wow you really hit the nail on the head with this one. Totally motivational! Couldn’t of said it any better myself. Thanks Ray!