FEAR OF TAKING INITIATIVE
Question—How can I overcome an inferiority complex, resulting in fear—fear of taking initiative?

ANSWER—An inferiority complex can exist only in an erroneous conception of oneself. If man could realize that there is nothing but the One Perfect Life, whose Perfect Intelligence knows all diversity of form as perfect parts of Itself, the idea of superiority or inferiority would dissolve in this conviction. The real Self of man is pure Spirit. This Spirit knows no comparisons. It knows only perfection. Man, in the visible world, created the idea of comparison; thus, we have large, larger, largest; small, smaller, smallest, etc. The truth is that each thing is perfect. An inferiority complex has its foundation in the oldest enemy—fear. Fear of criticism precludes initiative. "He Who never made a mistake never made anything." Fear of criticism is a form of egotism, and can be indulged until it results in a physical disease. Jumpy nerves always accompany acute fears. The fear suggestion becomes so habitual that it fills the m0st harmless and commonplace action with dread. There is no slavery so cruel as the slavery of one's fears. Since you realize that fear is at the bottom of your trouble, the first step is for you to look the fact squarely in the face. Realize that fear inhibits all right action, dams the flow of life, steals a man's birthright of freedom of thought and action. The next step is to determine to be rid of it. Vision (page 135) yourself gathering up your fears, one by one, naming each one, piling them in a heap, and setting fire to them, as you would burn rubbish. These fears were but false faces that had covered the truth from your mental sight. Now that they have been destroyed, treat yourself for poise and assurance.

Say, "I have destroyed every false and damning influence in my subjective mind, and I declare myself free forever. I know myself to be filled with the initiative of the Spirit, which directs my thought and action and compels me to do the right thing at the right time. I cooperate willingly with this Inner Guidance and obey it without hesitation. I realize myself to be a perfect part of the Perfect Whole, and in this consciousness there can be no false suggestion of inferiority, or fear of any kind."

Then, be firm with yourself. Declare the truth about yourself and feel safe in the words you utter, for your words "are Life and they are Truth."

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