The Transformational Power of Fear
Yoda was right. “Fear,” the Jedi Master told a young Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader, “is a path to the Dark Side.” Fear is a powerful emotion, and it has a powerful effect on human beings. A little fear is actually a good thing. Fear keeps us from riding our motorcycles without a helmet. Fear reminds us to put a boiling pot of water outside the reach of any small hands. Fear keeps us from giving into momentary anger by reminding us about the consequences of our actions—before we suffer those consequences. . So yes, a little fear can go a long way. But not all fears are created equal. Fear can help plant the seed of positive personal transformation—and fear can also nourish our worst traits. Genuine fear can help clarify and focus our thinking. Fear is also often the easiest excuse we use to justify all of our self-imposed limitations. Each one of us, if we want to achieve the world-class version of ourselves, must ask the person in the mirror the following question: “W...