When there is no fear in me
Fear plays an important role in keeping our risky impulses in check. When anxiety and dread are absent, people often give in to temptations and compulsions even if the consequences could be harmful. Fearless action might seem exciting in the moment, but can lead to danger. I've learned this lesson myself the hard way.
In the past, whenever I've felt a sense of invincibility with no nervousness or insecurity holding me back, I've acted on impulses I later came to regret. Whether reckless driving, confrontation, vices, or other brash choices, lack of fear can unleash poor judgment.
For example, one night out with friends while feeling on top of the world, I made the foolish decision to join in high stakes gambling I could barely afford. The usual worry about losing money was muted. In my emboldened state, I lost hundreds of dollars rapidly. The next day, the financial impact hit me hard.
On another occasion I stayed out way too late before an important job interview the next morning. Normally I'd have gone home early to get plenty of rest. But feeling bold and wanting to keep partying, I didn't head back until past sunrise. I then overslept and arrived groggy and shaky to my interview. Needless to say, I didn't get the job.
Even something as simple as driving has proven more reckless when I'm not feeling any self-doubt or hesitation. Pushing limits on speed and weaving through dense traffic seems exciting rather than nerve-wracking when caution is thrown to the wind. I've had some close calls while driving fearlessly.
Looking back, all these poor choices share a common thread - lack of anxiety made me underestimate risk. I felt invincible in the moment. But the harm afterwards always caught up with me.
Now I know some amount of worry and mental double-checking is healthy. Fear protects us from self-destructive urges and reminds us actions have consequences. It keeps passions in check. While letting loose occasionally can be fun, living without any restraint inevitably leads to disaster.
My advice when feeling no inhibitions is to pause and reassess if choices align with your values and priorities. Resist the temptation to throw caution completely to the wind no matter how euphoric it feels. Have a trusted friend talk you down. And never disable all your mental alarms. Some healthy fear is necessary to maintain wisdom and self-control in this precarious world.
The passage could give more examples of risky behavior when fear is absent:
Making large, impulsive purchases beyond one's budget
Initiating fights or arguments with others
Binge-eating unhealthy foods with abandon
Attempting dangerous stunts to show off
Plagiarizing or cheating thinking there won't be consequences
Discuss Long-Term Impacts
Elaborate more on the negative longer-term impacts of impulsive choices:
Financial debt, damaged relationships, arrests, injuries, addictions, or health decline from reckless behavior while fearless.
Difficulty rebuilding trust and credibility after cheating incidents.
The guilt, shame and regret that eventually sets in.
Contrast Healthy vs Unhealthy Fear
Further distinguish unhealthy anxiety/paralysis from wise caution:
Explain how reasonable wariness protects us while irrational phobias hold us back.
Discuss how some fear helps assess risks properly while too much leads to inaction.
Provide examples of when confronting fear is healthy versus when respecting it is wise.
Alternatives to Recklessness
Suggest healthy alternatives to satisfy cravings for adventure:
Outdoor extreme sports, racing, martial arts, or climbing with safety gear
VR games and simulations
There are many directions this reflection on fear, impulsivity and risk-taking could be expanded in. Let me know if any particular angle resonates. I'm happy to write further with additional details and commentary.
Thank you for reading my post.
