The Four Horsemen of the Failed Challenge!

If I had to name the four biggest reasons people fail their body for life challenge, other than laziness, I would say they are fear, resentment, self-pity and guilt! What? Not things like failure to plan, or injuries, or “life getting in the way?” No, the truth is that most people who end up quitting did so because they didn’t believe in their ability to do it, all due to fear, resentment, self-pity or guilt, or a mixture of them.

Fear is the biggest offender of all, because it keeps us from having any confidence in ourselves and keeps from even trying to do our best. Fear can be overcome, but only by taking action in the face of it. You can’t talk yourself out of fear, but you CAN work yourself out of it. Fear cannot stand in the face of faith either.  It is said that courage is just fear that has said its prayers–and that’s a good way of looking at it.

Resentment is old anger revisited over and over. It can not only cripple you emotionally but can make things seem not worth doing. Resentment always leads to depression and inaction. Resentment can only be overcome by actively forgiving the offender. That means literally forgiving them, telling them you do, and taking steps to never bring up the offense again.

Self-pity robs you of power. It is a sick way of trying to get attention and love, but ultimately it generates scorn and loathing from others. Self pity is never justified, because it never leads to anything good. In fact, it leads to inaction, more self-pity and depression. The cure for self-pity, like that for fear, is to actively abandon it, relinquish it, and take actions instead of licking your wounds.

Guilt is a crippler as well.   Guilt is the action of your conscience that is being ignored. Guilt never goes away on its own. To rid yourself of guilt, a good conversation with another who cannot be harmed by your telling them what you did, and who will not betray your confidence, is the beginning of the cure, and the end of it is making amends for the wrongs you created.

Space is limited in these blogs. If you have questions about how to do any of this, I’m glad to answer any personal email. miketharris@comcast.net

What does any of this have to do with BFL? Well, in a sense–everything!  If you  will take the steps I’ve suggested, you’ll not only have a new sense of freedom, you’ll have the desire and the ability to succeed, and to love yourself again! Blessings!