Fear and The Illusion of Control

Education,Lance's Philosophy,Leadership,Personal Growth,Wisdom with 7 Comments

When I have doubts, I sense fear. When I sense fear, I find that I am holding on to something too tightly. If I’m being honest with myself, I must admit that I am trying to control it. I need a clear picture of what I can exert control over and what I cannot.

Fear and the Illustion of Control
The Illusion of Control:
1. We tend to believe we can control what we cannot (Circumstances)
2. We tend to believe we cannot control what we can (Reactions)

About the only environment I can control is the one between my ears…. And that is challenge enough for me.

I love this quote from the movie ‘Days of Thunder‘. It sums it up pretty well in an amusing way.

“Control is an illusion, you infantile egomaniac. Nobody knows what’s gonna happen next: not on a freeway, not in an airplane, not inside our own bodies and certainly not on a racetrack with 40 other infantile egomaniacs.” (Dr. Claire Lewicki – Days of Thunder)

Because of the Illusion of Control, we mistakenly try to control our circumstances instead of our reaction to those circumstances and we place our faith in something or someone we shouldn’t. We doubt that which we should trust. The fruit of one is fear and the other is peace.

Fear is NOT a fruit of the spirit.

What are you holding on to so tightly that is interfering with a relationship, an opportunity, a great plan or a blessing?

  • Mark Stadler

    We really need to trust in the Lord and action his promptings. The action is often times the place where we fail.

  • lancec

    Mark, thanks for taking the time to comment. I agree. I usually fall short in trusting the Lord by mistakenly placing my trust elsewhere (usually in myself). However, I have found that fear/doubt usually reveals an idol in my life. If I am not clinging to the Lord and placing my trust in him, I am doubting him and his word. I gain a sense of peace when I give circumstances over to him.

  • http://www.adonislenzy.com Adonis Lenzy

    Great post Lance. Thanks for sharing.

  • Michael Spain

    So true, 10% of life is made up of what happens to you, 90% of life if decided by how you react…

  • Rcashion

    GREAT , LANCE YOUR SO GOOD AT PUTTING
    PIN TO PAPER , IT’S ALWAYS VERY INTERESTING
    AND FROM THE HEART.

    SIMPLY SAID. ” LET GO AND LET GOD”

  • lancec

    Thanks mom :)

  • lancec

    Well Said, Michael!