Oprah's Lifeclass: On Living Fearlessly

The Lifeclass event, a significant gathering in New York, drew a large audience and I was fortunate to be part of it through a live webcast.

I've understood that fear is a natural part of life and not something to be feared. The key is to acknowledge it but not let it dictate your actions. I've had my share of fears but also learned to push through them, refusing to let them hold me back.

In the interview, Oprah asked 10 questions about 'living on fear' based on the discussion with Tony Robbins. It was indeed a thought-provoking query that challenged me. Here's my answer to the questions:

1.    What is the story you are telling yourself right now? What self-limiting beliefs are within that story?

I've always believed in my ability to achieve my goals. I've learned that success comes to those who focus on their objectives and have the courage to see them through.

2. Tony Robbins says we need to see life as it is--but not worse than it is. Can you describe your life realistically without emphasizing the negative?

My life now is a reflection of my thoughts and personal beliefs. Every achievement, big or small, is a testament to my determination to succeed. I am grateful that my principles and virtues guide me, enabling me to understand life events, make sound decisions, and exercise better judgment.

3.  He says we only have two choices: to lead an inspired or dead life. Which choice have you made so far? What's one example from the past six months that exemplifies this choice?

I have chosen to lead an inspired life. Success, as I see it, is a reflection of our core beliefs. An inspired life is one that is not weary of doing things that bring joy. I started blogging to express and share my thoughts about topics I am passionate about. This choice has brought me joy and a sense of self-worth.

4. Talk about a happy recent moment.

I am happy whenever I express my thoughts and blog about them. I am challenged to share my writings in a way that could inspire someone who can relate to them.

5.  Tony Robbins said, "I asked him about his joy, and he gave me his wound." Looking at the above answer, did you describe something happy--or tinged with pain or dissatisfaction?

It is the feeling of joy that comes from surviving past pain and suffering. The pain is now a distant memory, and what remains is the joy of overcoming life's adversities, no matter how painful they were.
     

6.  He said people have six needs: love, certainty, adventure, significance, growth, and contribution. What are your two top needs from that list?

To be significant is what makes life meaningful. I look back at life to assess what purposeful things I should take into action. Only when you've found life's purpose do you tend to be more caring and understanding. It is also important to have growth. It's a measure that one has achieved a certain level of maturity needed for attaining a bigger or higher purpose.

7.  Now describe what you've given up due to having those two needs as your priorities. For instance, if you chose certainty, which means you value over things, have you limited spontaneity in your life?

 It goes hand in hand. It's just a matter of what you prioritize over the other, but the bottom line is that the list is all-important.

8. How do you define success?

Success is the attainment of dreams and aspirations no matter how big or small. It's how we create it and not just destined to be.

9.  Tony Robbins said success without fulfillment is a failure. Does your definition of success include things that give you a sense of meaning?

People can become successful but not fulfilled, and the other way around. Fulfillment is a lifelong and intense emotional experience, whereas success can be short-lived. When you do meaningful things that are of higher purpose or value, you can feel a sense of fulfillment that you can cherish for a lifetime.
    
10.   Where in your life do you feel stuck? What is the small action you can take to change? Then what massive action--an exponentially more significant step--can you take?

There comes a time when I felt stuck in certain areas of my life. But what's important is how I dealt with it and was able to move forward. Even small but willful and meaningful actions can go the extra mile if accompanied by a will to do good.
     
Courage to do things is not merely the absence of fear; it is a powerful antidote. When fear strikes, we can feel it, but we have to do our thing anyway. Our mind has the tremendous power to achieve whatever thoughts we have created and believe in. So choose to face your fears, conquer them, and go the extra mile ahead.

© 2012 Del Cusay