How to Take Risks and Abandon Your Fears

by Alvin Slaughter and resource team on September 22, 2009

in How to reinvent your life


alvin1 194x300 How to Take Risks and Abandon Your FearsI have a little secret.

You may know me as a  recording artist, speaker, world traveler and songwriter. I appear on television. People think that people like me walk on water. Some think that we’re different than other people because we are in  ”full time ministry.”  We walk through airports and some people even know our names. We must have connections and courage that most people just don’t have.

Of course, that’s all pretty ridiculous and couldn’t be further from the truth!

You see my little secret is that years ago, even while singing around the world, I  lived so much of my life  in fear.

Afraid of what people thought of me. How can they not like my chubby little face? LOL!

Afraid of failure. Hey, nobody wants to be a loser.

I was even afraid of success. You see I didn’t want anybody to think that I thought I was better than they are.

So for many years, I had some success, but never lived up to my God given potential. I used to pray, “God, if you will please just take away all my fears, I can do great things for you. If you take away my fears I can accomplish all the dreams that are hidden in my heart.”

But God never removed the fear.

You know why? Because God does not remove your fears. However… He will give you the words, courage and boldness to walk through your fears! You can overcome your fears.

Paul said, “Praying always with all prayer …. for all the saints and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, —Ephesians 6:18-19

If the Apostle Paul prayed for boldness and the right words to say, how much more do we?

I no longer fear people’s opinions. Sure I want to be liked, but that will never, ever hinder me from God’s plan for me. Failure? It happens. But if I fail, and we all do, I’ll just get back up, seek God’s way and keep moving ahead. Success? It’s a good thing. Put wealth and influence in the hands of the righteous and they’ll build God’s Kingdom.

So here are just a few ways to learn How to Take Risks and Abandon Your Fears. God will always do His part. Here is how we do our part.

It’s quite comfortable to sit back and keep the status quo. After all, if you don’t rock the boat, you can’t fall into the sea. But without risk, there are few rewards.

Abandon Your Fears

You already know that taking risks is risky. To build up the courage, you need to master your fears. However, it’s not as easy as it sounds. If you’ve spent the better part of your life with fear, it could be deeply engrained in your subconscious, but it’s not impossible to change. All you need now is the willingness to overcome your fears. If you really want to abandon your fears, there’s nothing that can stop you!

Here are some tips to keep fear at bay:

1.      Recognize Your Fears. Recognize your fears for what they really are. You’ll soon discover how your fears are limiting you by your reactions to them.

  • Let’s say you’re afraid of driving, if you’re ever in the driver’s seat your response might be a quick “Oh no! Get me out of here!” If you continue this pattern of thinking you’ll always be afraid. Accept that the fear is real, but challenge yourself to approach the situation with courage and inner strength.

2.      Overcome Your Fears. Many times we’re afraid of something because it remains in the unknown. We might label something as risky because we don’t yet know or understand what’s going on.

  • An example would be avoiding college because you’re afraid of meeting new people, the workload, and so on. To overcome this fear, you can get familiar with the college, the courses, and the people so you can feel more comfortable and confident. Doing so will ease the fear of the unknown and give you a sense of relief.

3.      Change Your Thinking. If you can alter the way you think about a certain situation, you’ll then act differently. Your fears may overwhelm your thoughts at times, but your job is to put a stop to this.

  • For example, if you think you’ll never be able to achieve your goals, you won’t. But if you believe in yourself, you’re far more likely to succeed!

How to Take Risks

Once you overcome your fears mentally, it’s time to take risks. Whether you realize it or not, you take risks everyday. Most risks are quite minor, but risk accompanies nearly every decision you make.

Follow these pointers to help you get into a risk taking mindset:

  • A “risk” may sound negative; instead, think of it as more of an “adventure” or “journey.”
  • Visualize a positive outcome.
  • Consider the reasons why you’re hesitant to take a risk.
  • When you have a set plan in place, taking a risk is a whole lot less threatening.
  • When you’ve taken the leap, evaluate your experience so you can improve in the future.
  • Self-confidence is the most important ingredient to success.

Putting it all Together

If you’re feeling tentative about the whole thing, get your feet wet with small steps. You can’t expect yourself to change drastically overnight, but at the same time you have to believe in yourself and believe that change is possible.

Overcoming fears and taking risks go hand in hand. Start small and dream big. You only have one journey on this earth, so you might as well make the most of it!

You matter,

Alvin

P.S. 97% of people who try their own home based business will fail. In order to succeed in any field, you must learn from leaders who have been there and done that… and able to teach others. This is my 20th year as a self employed businessman…. after 14 years of trying and failing.

If you can start to see your future better than today, take action. If you’re ready to change your financial picture click the link below, email me. Only aspiring leaders need to Click here

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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }

Larry Favalora September 22, 2009 at 10:37 am

Pastor Alvin,

Your music has always blessed me over the years, but not until I got to “know” you better on Facebook and read what you wrote did I come to fully appreciate all that G-d has done and is doing with you!!

When I was going through a very serious trauma in my life i just made a comment on your facebook wall about it… you wrote me back a wonderfully personal message that I kept that has ministered to me as well as anything else in my life ever has! You helped me to see clearly that I was GOING TO OVERCOME! Thank you for being truly transparent and really care enough to MINISTER, not just PERFORM!

Blessings all over you bother!!
larry

Alvin Slaughter September 22, 2009 at 10:50 am

Thank you Larry! It takes one encourager to know another encourager!

It humbles me to hear such kind words. Thank you for taking the time to write me. You inspire me today!

May the Father order your steps today… and everyday!
You matter,
Alvin

Douglas A. Rogers September 23, 2009 at 9:23 am

Hi Mr. Slaughter,
as an artist it’s good to see you connect with God’s people on the level that you do, showing them that you are human and that what you do is not just a business it is a ministry. I am a producer here in Virginia Beach and i try to minister to every artist that comes into my studio and I let them know it’s not about you its about God, and if you keep Him first when you are faced with the problems that life hands you you will always overcome. I love you Douglas at Faith Studio

fiona Martin September 23, 2009 at 5:38 pm

Good Evening Alvin,

Thank you for your words of encouragement and for your honesty. Truly God has blessed you to be a blessing to others. Whilst reading your words i realised that we may be fearful of a situation we may be facing, but we must always remember that God is with us . I pray that you will continue to grow in him. Blessings to you.
Fiona, London, England

Nita Mathis September 24, 2009 at 10:16 am

Mr. Slaughter,
I have known about you and have listened to your music over the past few years, but it wasn’t until this weekend when you were in Delaware that I understood how God has used you and has taken control of your life. While listening to your story I realized that I went through a similar situation growing up on the system. I count it a blessing to be able to overcome and break the cycle with my family. It was a blessing that your altar call included those that are depressed, discourgaed, and angry, the latter of which I am guilty. Coming to the altar that day gave me the relased that I seeked from GOD, and I thank God for the deliverance and using you as a vessel. I cannot stop listending to Holy Spirit Rain Down, it is now my getting up in the morning, noonday, and evening worship song. I hope I don’t wear the CD out listening to it, but I fall to my knees each time I hear it. May the Lord truly continue to bless you and your family. Sean is a blessing and it is with prayer and supplication that I seek God for my own 17-year old son. God Bless you, and please know that you and your family are loved here in DE.

Blessings,
~Nita

Michele Hughes September 24, 2009 at 6:14 pm

Dearest Alvin Slaughter, this video really touched my heart. I lost my father to cancer. I understand what you probably went through. I am looking forward to purchasing your new album. I love your voice and music. Stay encouraged and blessed. God bless you! Michele

Alvin Slaughter September 24, 2009 at 7:28 pm

Douglas, Fiona, Nita and Michele,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Your words inspire me.

I’m always amazed and humbled that God can take something so simple, and use it as a tool of hope and life.

I pray for you open doors, fulfilled dreams… and miracles!

You matter,
Alvin

Mzuvelile Eric Magwanyana September 24, 2009 at 7:51 pm

Thank you Alvin for the great words. Now I feel empowered to go on. It feels like I’ve already taken the first step to overcoming my fear after reading your words of encouragement. Thank you Alvin!

Mzuvelile Eric Magwanyana September 24, 2009 at 8:03 pm

Thank you Alvin for the great words. You really empowered me by your words. One day you’ll know what your words did to me and to many other people who heard them. I believe words don’t die but continue to live even when you’re no longer on earth. So this goes to generations after this one. God bless you!

Judy Meyer September 24, 2009 at 8:31 pm

Alvin,

I am going to send this to my husband. I pray that it will help him overcome his fears.
thank you,
Judy

Alvin Slaughter September 24, 2009 at 8:49 pm

Thanks Eric! Stay Strong son!

Judy, I pray this can really plant a seed in your husband’s spirit.

All the best,
Alvin

Letitia October 8, 2009 at 4:41 pm

Mr. Slaughter,

I have been a fan of yours since I started watching Benny Hinn. Today I remembered seeing you on TBN and you were talking about your financial challenges. I was encouraged by your words. Yesterday I lost my house to foreclosure and honestly, I am okay with the loss but I am so afraid of what’s to come next. I’m unemployed and a single mother. I’ve been walking around with my “everything will be okay” face but I am shaking on the inside. I went to look at an apartment today and as I parked my car, I goy this awful pain in my stomach and then I heard an intro to a Donnie McClurkin song saying WAIT! I don’t know what God is up to but all I am asking is that you pray for me, my son and yes, my dog (she’s family, too). I am expecting a MIRACLE for divine prosperity. Thank you and may God continue to keep you in his loving care.

Alvin Slaughter October 8, 2009 at 10:12 pm

Hi Letitia,

Thank you for writing to me and sharing your heart. I know exactly what you feel. I know just what you’re going through.

It’s normal to feel uneasiness and even insecurity as you get back on your feet. And YOU WILL get back on your feet.

Here is something you should download and read as you get back on your feet. Go to http://alvinslaughter.com/content.cfm?id=2053 and download the free “I CAN! ” course.

Also, as a single mother, take a look at places like http://www.elance.com The site is filled with opportunities for people skilled in different lines of work.

Also, if you are in the management, secretarial, or adminstration fields, you might want to take a look at http://www.vaclassroom.com/socialmarketing/cmd.asp?af=1071598 to learn more about becoming a virtual assistant. Hope this helps.

You matter,
Alvin

Kathryn January 30, 2010 at 12:12 am

Pastor Alvin,
Thank you so much for creating this awesome post and many others like this one. I’ve already learned so much just reading these posts. I feel like a dry sponge that just got attached to some water and keeps absorbing these awesome revelations and words of wisdom. Thank you for making this information available on your life experiences. I know many others are deeply impacted by you being open, honest, completely abandoned and transparent about your experiences. Thank you, thank you, thank you for caring about us :)

Much love and respect,
Kathryn

Michael Johnson March 6, 2010 at 7:26 pm

Hello Bro. Alvin,

Thanks very much for your word of encouragement. I see myself all up in your post. Success, victory, right thinking, overcoming all seem to be a thing far out of reach, but I am encouraged by your admission. I will certainly take the risks that are necessary to re-invent my life. This sight will certainly be a favorite of mine from this day forward. Love you brother. Take care and God bless.
Btw, when are you coming back to Bethel Gospel Tabernacle, NY???

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