Live a more fulfilling life

Throughout history, humans have faced challenges and obstacles on their journey from one point to another. Whether it is from point A to point B, or even all the way to point Z, the path is often fraught with tension, anxiety, and fear. We tell ourselves that these negative emotions are a necessary part of the process, that without them, we cannot achieve our goals. However, this way of thinking is not only detrimental to our mental and emotional well-being but also hinders our ability to reach our full potential.

One of the key aspects of this belief is the idea that we must tense up and obsess over our goals in order to achieve them. We convince ourselves that if we are not constantly worrying and stressing about our desired outcome, it will never come to fruition. This mentality is ingrained in us from a young age, as we are often taught that success only comes through hard work and sacrifice. While it is true that hard work is important, it is equally important to realize that constant stress and anxiety are not conducive to success.

Living in fear and anxiety until we achieve what we want is another aspect of this damaging mindset. We are told that we must be willing to do whatever it takes to reach our goals, even if it means sacrificing our mental and emotional well-being in the process. This leads to a cycle of fear and anxiety that can have serious long-term consequences on our health and happiness.

One influential individual who has spoken out against this harmful way of thinking is Brene Brown, a researcher and author who has studied the power of vulnerability and shame. Brown argues that in order to truly succeed and live a fulfilling life, we must let go of our fears and embrace vulnerability. She believes that only by being open and honest with ourselves and others can we achieve true success and happiness.

Another key figure in the field of overcoming fear and anxiety is Eckhart Tolle, a spiritual teacher and author known for his teachings on mindfulness and living in the present moment. Tolle argues that our fears and anxieties are often rooted in past traumas or future worries, and that the key to overcoming them is to focus on the present moment. By practicing mindfulness and staying grounded in the here and now, Tolle believes we can break free from the cycle of fear and anxiety that holds us back.

In addition to individual perspectives, there are also various schools of thought that challenge the idea that tension, obsession, and fear are necessary components of success. One such perspective is that of positive psychology, which focuses on building strengths and virtues in order to live a more fulfilling life. Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of cultivating positive emotions, such as gratitude and hope, in order to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.

On the other hand, there are also those who argue that a certain level of tension and anxiety can be beneficial in motivating us to take action and work towards our goals. This perspective, known as the Yerkes-Dodson law, suggests that there is an optimal level of arousal that leads to peak performance. Too little arousal can result in apathy and lack of motivation, while too much arousal can lead to stress and burnout. Finding the right balance between tension and relaxation is key to achieving success.

As we look towards the future, it is important to reconsider our beliefs and assumptions about what it takes to achieve our goals. While hard work and dedication are certainly important, it is equally important to take care of our mental and emotional well-being along the way. By letting go of the fear and anxiety that often hold us back, we can unlock our full potential and live a more fulfilling life.

In conclusion, the idea that we must constantly tense up, obsess, and live in fear and anxiety in order to achieve our goals is a damaging mindset that hinders our ability to reach our full potential. By challenging this belief and embracing vulnerability, mindfulness, and positive psychology, we can break free from the cycle of fear and anxiety and live a more fulfilling life. It is time to let go of the old ways of thinking and embrace a new mindset that prioritizes mental and emotional well-being on the journey from point A to point Z.

Copyright © Prof. Dr. Jorge R.