Fear itself

Recently, Entertainment 2 Knight (E2K) sponsored Winter Wonder Week, an opportunity for students and organizations alike to participate in a number of activities geared toward the development of "a strong community bond." One event in particular, appropriately dubbed "SNC Idol," allowed individuals or teams to compete in a karaoke contest for a variety of prizes and, if nothing else, the pure sex appeal garnered from gyrating in front of a microphone. For some, however, the chance to sing in front of a multitude of their peers took on new meaning: overcoming fear.Personally, as well as for many people, the fear of singing in front of a large crowd can be a debilitating one. Though I've grown up thinking I've had mediocre vocal ability (read: shower quality), the thought of letting anyone actually listen to me was daunting to say the least. In the few hours leading up to the competition, I had thoroughly convinced myself that I couldn't possibly do it. I had so many good reasons; it didn't even feel like copping out. I thought I would at least watch everyone else though, while of course feeling more than slightly sorry for myself. But something happened while I observed these people, one after another, climb the stage and sing. These people were nervous; their voices quavered uncertainly; their eyes averted the crowd; their pitch was off. It seemed I wasn't the only one terrified at this idea. I felt empowered. If they could do it, I could certainly pretend to.

Afterwards, my friends and family asked why I sang at all: why the unnecessary added stress, the practice, all the worrying about singing a cappella in a karaoke contest. It wasn't for the congratulations on a job well done, and certainly not for the fourth place finish I wasn't expecting. I did it because overcoming fear isn't just some intangible maxim parents and coaches spout ad nauseam; it's a way of life. It encompasses a manner of conducting oneself that not only encourages one to trounce unavoidable fear, but to place oneself firmly in circumstances that arouse one's fear. So many people are content to simply muddle through life, to avoid the things that make them feel awkward or scared. How many of them does history recall?

Fear causes us to imagine the worst possible scenario as the most likely outcome. My mom used to say that fear was "false expectations appearing real." It is infinitely more helpful to conceive of it in this way, for when we realize that fear is simply our own insecurities attempting to impede our progress, we can then begin the process of breaking down the barriers to our self-fulfillment. Fear isn't some abstract to be avoided. We are each other's fear. We are our own fear. We place judgment. We mock. We are self-sabotaging. So what are we to do? STOP. Think about how you affect the people around you, and the impossible expectations you place on yourself. Never be content with the path of least resistance. Work every day to develop the courage in yourself to take the chances that are hardest for you. Mankind's greatest deeds have often been born of the most overwhelming circumstances. We must remember that without uncomfortable situations and seemingly impossible tasks, we would never have the chance to grow as people. Be the person you want to be today, or you might regret the person you are tomorrow. What legacy do you want to leave?