The Enemy Within

The tendency to get in the way of our own development is a problem with which many of us contend - consciously or unconsciously. "The enemy within" does us more harm than any external foe (many times of our own conjecture).

The pangs of fear and concern that often accompany our first attempts at a new venture/involvement are normal and natural. And, as such, an initial reluctance is understandable. Beyond this, however, prolonged fear, a lack of faith in our own abilities, feelings of inadequacy, inconsistent actions, a constant lack of preparation are all manifestations of the enemy within, and huge obstacles to our growth.

Have you ever watched someone make a muddle of something you know, deep inside, they were born to do? And have you ever found yourself wondering "how come he/she is there and I am here?" It's not that that someone didn't have to face his/her own enemies and battle his/her own ghosts. It's that they did it anyway. And with each less than perfect attempt, they continued to fight until the enemy within was vanquished.

Without a doubt, it is important to know what the enemy sounds like (what do you find yourself saying?); what it looks like (what do you see that makes you pull back?); and what it feels like (what emotions do you experience that tell you you aren't fit for this task?).  But it is important to know only in order that you may  know when to advance (and not retreat); when to 'Just do it': In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson "Do the thing and you shall have the power". It's that simple. And I promise you will find that there is no more effective means of defeating the enemy within, on the way to unleashing your passions and realizing your full potential.