This New Year, Let Go of Fear

This New Year, Let Go of Fear Any time we approach a new year, theres a lot of talk about setting new goals for our careers, our families, our fitness, or other personal pursuits.For me, its interesting to think about which goals will be achieved and which will be shelved. I often wonder Is successdriven primarily by theparticular goal, or by the person achieving it?My belief is that the achievers do, in fact, possess something that sets them apart from others. Its leid an MBA, money, or good looks although those dont hurt Rather, the characteristic that sets achievers apart is much cheaper and easier to come by Achievers, more so than others, are able to live their lives without fear.Its not that they have no concerns. Its not that failure never crosses their minds. Its that they are able to try new things without letting their fears stop them.Ive witnessed people who have never finished college land professional-level jobs faster than their degreed peers. They may have appeared less qualified on paper, but in reality, they had a lot to offer and were willing to put themselves out there. Im certain that in some of these situations, the fact that they had little to lose and everything to gain came into play.Isuspect the ability to let go of fear isnt a one-time occurrence. Its not something a person is able to do for just the most important things or ina moment when everything is on the line.Rather, the ability to let go of fear is a way of life, achievers haveturned living without fear into a habit they practice every day. When it does count, theyre ready.Thomas Edison is often quoted as saying, I havent failed. Ive just found 10,000 ways that wont work. Edison must have failed on an everyday basison his way tocreating innovations that still influence the way we live today. Yet, in the face of all that failure, he still kept going.In 2004, I quit my corporate job and moved cross country for graduate school. Not only did I not know anyone in Los Angeles, but I paid for my own education and living expenses for the time I was there. Looking back, I often wonder how I was able to conquer that kind of fear and whether or not I could do it again today.I often ask myself, Whats the worst thing that could happen? If I cant come up with anything other than embarrassment or a little lost time, I try. Worst-case scenario, even when I fail, I learn something new. That new thing helps me to try again successfully or to set another goal all without fear.I hope your new year is filled with new goals, new experiences, and a little learning along the wayA version of this article originally appeared on Copeland Coaching.Angela Copeland is a career coach and CEO at Copeland Coaching.