I'd have given it five stars except that I believe that Colonel Fox went astray when he detoured briefly into politics while discussing the effects of terrorism. He voiced the view that terrorists probably wouldn't commit acts of terror if the media didn't publicize them - which may be true - but went on to opine that it might be better if only our leaders knew about such dangers and the rest of us trusted them to do the right things on our behalf.
I disagree on three grounds. First, it isn't practical. Second, and more important, it's kind of condescending toward the American people - we can handle it, especially if we have leadership of the FDR "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself" type rather than the GWB "be afraid, be very afraid" style. Finally, and most important of all, we can't have a system that depends on always getting people we can trust in charge.
Sometimes, we end up with leaders who are incompetent, unprincipled, or both, and if we have a system that is personality-dependent, they'll ruin us. We need a system that is fool-proof and crook-proof, so that it can survive a Nixon, for example. And Colonel Fox should know that, because in his time in the Marine Corps 43 years of service! In the military it sometimes makes sense for a commander not to share information with the troops - but our society is a democracy, and the military is an autocracy, both for good reasons.
So I salute the man and his intentions, but feel his thoughts were in serious error on this single but important question.
Jul 31, Dachokie rated it liked it Shelves: While this primer is logically aimed at fellow Marines, the lessons he learned finding the courage to handle fear is applicable to anyone. The structure of this book is simple: Fox looks back on pivotal moments in his life when he overcame fear.
As a Marine who served in both Korea and Vietnam, he plenty of moments to draw from, but he also lists many experiences outside the warzone that are just as palpable … from his fear of the dark as a child to jump training incidents that went awry he logged over 1, parachute jumps in his career.
With each account, Fox gives readers enough details to get an idea of the grave nature he was facing and a step-by-step analysis of his mindset throughout the experience. He lays out the lessons in a matter-of-fact manner and while the information is certainly valuable, the primer, as a whole, is a little dry.
It is very important to remember that not engaging with fear-based feelings and thoughts does not mean you deny them. Fear's not dynamic, he doesn't explore. Fear is rarely truthful. Give it a try. Conscientiousness sets you up for success, but comes with a big risk of burnout.
While the incidents Fox discusses are military-related, the process of overcoming fear is not an exclusive military issue and the lessons Fox presents could be appreciated by anyone. I especially liked the details behind several motivating and historical Marine quotes in the final chapter; these stories exhibit how an action-based mindset is what turns fear into courage and why the Marine Corps are such a formidable force. I have always been enamored with the steadfast pride that Marines have towards their service and Col. Fox is a fine example of this trait.
Courage is not the absence of fear but rather requires fear. It provides the opportunity for courage. In this guest post by Jared Latigo. Courage, Fear and Vulnerability walk into a bar. They sit down and order a drink, Fear orders two doubles. They start to discuss an upcoming.
Brendan rated it really liked it May 23, John O'Brien rated it it was ok Jul 18, Mike rated it really liked it Mar 17, Willard rated it it was amazing Aug 31, Bill Mullen rated it really liked it Jul 05, Chris Isleib rated it it was amazing Dec 05, James rated it liked it Aug 21, Kat rated it liked it Jun 07, Jonathan rated it it was ok Jan 27, Gale Payne marked it as to-read Jan 12, From your full height.
As mentioned above, I am an anxious person. Of course, there are situations where fleeing is an appropriate response. These, thankfully, are rare for most of us. I have been through some truly flee-worthy situations in my life, which partly explains why I now overreact to more benign situations. Tell yourself that it will be ok, that you will be ok.
Because it most likely will be ok. Refuse to let fear take over, especially if you have a tendency to worry about everything like me! When you imagine a potential stressful confrontation or situation, visualize yourself facing it with calm strength and courage rather than imagining all the things that could go wrong. It defuses the situation instantly. Not only that, it significantly increases the probability that when the situation comes along in real time, you will handle it much better. I know that I can and will face it with dignity and strength. In this case feeling fearful , and talking to everyone about being fearful a la Chicken Little, is really more of a habit than anything else.
Give it a try. Even if reacting with fear has been a life-long habit, you can change it. Unhealthy fear responses can keep you small, hidden, and not allowing you to be what you could be. This is when your creativity and performance may be so disconnected from who you are that you may not be able to show your really are as an artist. When you are not in touch with your fears they can also turn into anxiety, depression, and addictions. Also see if you may notice some courage-based feelings excitement, joy , body responses good chills, open heart , or thoughts i.
It is very important to remember that not engaging with fear-based feelings and thoughts does not mean you deny them. Again, you let them come and go, aware of their presence, which is different from denying their presence. These fear-based feelings and thoughts are the ones you try to heal from or stop their automatic control. You want to face them and work with them! Every time you work with your fears you develop your internal knowing of how to face them in the future. Every time you deny your fears you give into fears, you let them to take over.
When you choose purposely to move beyond your fears, slowly or faster, they will lose their control on you. Every time you connect with your courage and you face your fear, feelings of victory become a part of who you are. After a number of victories, all the good feelings associated with each victory will be stored in your unconscious mind, ready to serve you in future. This is the autopilot reactions you want to have in your subconscious mind — the readiness to turn your fears and into courage.
Eventually, transforming fear into courage becoming a part of who you are, an internal knowing of how to face your fears. If you find you cannot tolerate your fear-based feelings and thoughts and you start to feel overwhelmed, or if anxiety takes over, then stop!
Most likely you need to work with a psychotherapist.