For the majority of my life, I have not been able to finish anything that I start. Whether it is a simple project, schooling, career, music endeavor, or even it seems the spiritual path. I want so badly to devote myself to the guru, and have many instructions, texts, practices available to me. I feel there is a ledge that I am too scared or ashamed to jump from, but if I do, a sea of truth awaits. What can I do to help with this?
—Adam G Dyer, United States
Dear Adam,
Fear of failure is related to fear of success. These are two sides of the same coin of fear: fear blocks energy from being able to complete what it sets out to do. Fear of success is the fear that success will require a greater output of energy and expectations.
Therefore, it comes down to energy and willpower. Start with little things, tasks, or projects, taking them, one at a time, until completion. Practice making your word the truth: what you say you will do, you must therefore do. This takes being a little stern with yourself, perhaps, though better to do all things with a joyful attitude. But if you start with the smaller tasks then the habit of completion (and the satisfaction that comes with it) will grow.
For now, just consider the various things you’ve attempted but did not complete as experiments or investigations. You were searching but have not yet found it. Better to see it this way than to conclude you failed. From now on, however, take on commitments that you know you can finish.
Willpower can also be developed through daily meditation; daily exercise; occasional fasting; a good diet; and, perhaps most of all, developing the SAY ‘YES’ TO LIFE attitude. While this doesn’t require that you do everything someone else asks you to do and at that moment, this attitude will help unblock willpower and energy directed towards completion. Train your mind to say YES as duties (which are only really opportunities) arise. Begin to note a subtle “No-saying” response to life’s daily duties or challenges. Then turn that around by mentally saying YES with enthusiasm!
You would greatly benefit by learning the 39 tension exercises created by Paramhansa Yogananda. We call them the Energization Exercises. They can be found on YouTube, at any Ananda center, or on the free Ananda Meditation app.
Be positive, energetic and enthusiastic as you get up each day. Repeat this from time to time throughout the day saying “I am positive, energetic and enthusiastic!”
May 2024 be a year of high energy, enthusiasm and joy!
Nayaswami Hriman
