[October 23, 2019] Leadership means educating people about things that make them wiser and more likable as an individual. One item is telling them something of utmost importance. If they believe they should be doing something – and are afraid to do it – then they should do it. That is one way to see if you are driven by fear; the first step in dominating fear.1
I’ve read hundreds of articles about “overcoming fear” and I have spoken to many combat veterans about their fears. While these articles and interviews are helpful in their own way, they fall short in getting to the fundamentals of fear. Perhaps it takes a person who has truly experienced fear in its rawest form and who has carefully looked into what it means, that can help us better understand this primitive emotion.
“Face your fears.” – Anonymous
There is valuable information gained from those veterans who’ve faced fear and lived to tell about it. They say something that may not be so obvious and give advice that is often dismissed by academics. What they tell me is that by telling the truth you get better at facing your most fearful enemy. Stop lying to yourself, is the first step.
Telling the truth means that you are also better at understanding the truth. This cycle of telling the truth, getting better at it, and then better understanding the truth – all elevates you as a mature person, worthy of our position in society. Say what you have to say and say it clearly. Don’t be tricked into a position of willful blindness.
Fear is complex and dynamic (see yesterday’s article here) and cannot ever be eliminated. For that reason, fear can never be “conquered.” Fear is also a powerful beast that we can learn to ride like a wild, untrained horse. The truth is the beginning and one must really want the truth; wanting it badly enough that all other things are of secondary value to you. Only through the truth can fear be dominated.
“You can’t handle the truth.” – movie line of Colonel Nathan R. Jessup (played by Jack Nicholson)2
This article is Part 2 of a 3-part series on “fear” and the last part I will publish tomorrow. I hope you enjoy this mini-series on professional development. Please comment so that we can add to our understanding.
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- Fear can never be “conquered.” It is what makes us human.
- The line originated from a scene in the film A Few Good Men wherein court martial lawyer Daniel Kaffee (played by Tom Cruise) exposes Colonel Nathan R. Jessup’s (played by Jack Nicholson) false testimony surrounding the death of a Marine named Santiago. When pressed by Kaffee to tell the truth, Colonel Jessup abruptly yells “You can’t handle the truth!” https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/you-cant-handle-the-truth
Excellent articles. Thank you. I like the links you have and the fact you are making me really think is what I like about this website. Much appreciated!
Yes, and while I’m still new here I can see how much of a difference it’s making.
Excellent part 2 to the series. I liked this one the best because of the connection between truth and fear.
The big first step to dominating fear (I like that) is to stop lying to yourself. Yes, we do that all the time and for many reasons. Like the NAZI propaganda machine was based on; tell a lie often enough and it becomes the truth.
Lies, propaganda, and fear. Hmmmmm. Interesting!
My mother always said to tell the truth even if it hurts. I didn’t pay attention to her because I thought the idea was not helpful. As a child I was focused on the immediate, she was focused on making me a better man.
When people spent more time in one another’s company, this worked well. Today, the average kid spends almost no time with others outside the school classroom. He is spending time with social media but not with people. That is, unfortunately, a real series problems.
…. and that is going to have ramifications that are still unknown.
We’re playing with fire and don’t know yet that it burns.
It should come as no surprise but that courage is a highly valued attribute of people. You don’t have to be a leader but just an ordinary Joe. Thanks!
Gen Satterfield, you have mentioned Prof. Peterson several times in the past and I’ve gone on-line to see more about him. He was the one, I believe, who made popular the connection of fear and truth telling. I wonder why that is the case. Perhaps it as to do with us being “good” people. Of course, “good” is not defined by academics (that you appear not to like very much).
In the past, Gen. Satterfield did define “good” as being made up of two main components: Ethical and Efficient.
Now, it does mean more and that is the crux of where you are going with the comment, I believe, Ronny.
“Good” means first and foremost that we are beneficial to our families, our communities, and our state/nation.
Right, Jordan Peterson is the savior of many young men who are set adrift in our crazy society.
Good observation, Ronny. I highly recommend listening more to Dr. Peterson on YouTube. There are many hours of him speaking directly to us on how to be a “good” person. You will see how he means “good” and it takes some time to get it straight. It is more than just ethical and efficient behavior.
“Face your fears” is extremely old advice. Who knows where it originated; it doesn’t matter anyway. Most of us – perhaps all of us – have not made the connection between telling the truth and fear. That is, however, a very interesting link. Perhaps that needs to be explored much more.
Yes, I also found the linkage betw/ TRUTH and FEAR to be intriguing.
Another good addtion to the series. Well done!
Yesterday set the stage and today we get into some real meat of “fear” just like I’d wanted. Thanks Gen. Satterfield for another great mini-series. Fear should be studied more closely.
Yep, another great article. This is why I keep coming back here. I know that I’ve said it before but it bears repeating that if you want to be a better leader, then you need to read and learn whenever you get the chance. Gen. Satterfield’s website provides that in small doses.
I think you will find that we all feel the same way.