You have to remember, fear is not real. It is a product of the thoughts you create. Don’t misunderstand me. Danger is very real. But fear is a choice. – Will Smith

So when I read this quote, I wasn’t super sure about how I felt about it.  Fear is a choice? What the heck does that even mean? How do you create fear?  Then, of course, I thought about it, and it all made perfect sense.

Fear is a choice.  I’m not talking, the feeling you get when you’re walking down a dark street alone in the middle of the night.  That’s danger, and that’s different.  And I’m not talking about the feeling you get after watching Blair Witch, or a Friday the 13th marathon.  That’s scaring yourself sh*tless.

I’m talking about the fear that stops you from doing things and that comes from listening to the self-doubt that fills your head.  That isn’t real…well the feelings are real, but they don’t have to be. You need to shut off the self-doubt.  Don’t make the choice to feel the fear.  Don’t give into the self-doubt that fills your head when you want to try something new or make a change.

Fear is a choice, and you don’t have to make it. You are strong, and you can ignore the voices of self-doubt that try to stop you from moving forward.  Remind yourself that you are amazing, strong, capable and that you can conquer the world.  Be strong and remember fear is a choice you don’t have to make.