Over coming fear of anything is fraught with excuses isnt it? Just today I experienced a phase of procrastination surrounding a bicycle road race that is scheduled for this weekend with a barrage of excuses that amazed me.

I think as we face challenges which can be excused away, we indulge ourselves mightily. But, in the end we are still faced with a decision, and isnt that what challenges are all about in the first place?

Elimination of the fear is almost instantaneous, as soon as a decision is made. Of course, if the challenge was not overcome, but instead rationalized away and the decision made was to not perform, then guess what? Yup, you will entertain that challenge again at some point in time down the road.

So, whats the moral of the story? We could just look at all challenges and say, I might as well do it, because its going to come around again anyway. But they arent always that easily explained away.

In my case, I really dont perform well physically racing in 90-degree heat, so there are safety factors to be considered. Of course, I could race slower than I might otherwise, or try to stay with the peleton and wither toward the end, or not race at all and save my body the torture. There is also the philosophy that if you train in heat you can ride in heat, then I could look at this race as preparation for the rest of the summer.

Well, you get the gist of my thoughts here. All excusing is generally just that, looking for a way out. Anytime we look for a way out, we arent facing the demons and fighting to a solution; we are in avoidance mode.

How does that old saying go? What doesnt kill makes you stronger. Obviously, Im not advocating anything that dangerous, but the point is well takenif we take on the challenge we grow. With growth comes strength of character, strength of body and strength of mind.

With any kind of strength comes stamina, quick decision-making skills are honed, life gets easier and a general sense of happiness permeates all you do.

So, which would you rather have: excuses, avoidance and fear, or decisiveness, thorough involvement with life and happiness? I think you know the answer.

In the end its just one mans opinionmine.

Keith Renninson

Keith E. Renninson is a native of Colorado. After a tour of duty in Viet Nam, he returned home and spent 30 years as a financial planner and insurance agent. He was a two-term President of the Mile-Hi Association of Life Underwriters and four-term President of the Kipling Sun Homeowners Association. He is the Chairman of the 2006 Tour de Cure bicycle ride for the American Diabetes Association in Colorado. Keith is also the current Vice-President of COBRAS (Colorado Organization of Bicycle Racing Seniors).

In 1995, he self-published his first book, ?The Pain & Joy of Love: A Collection of Poetry, Black and White Photography and Short Stories.? In 2003, Keith was the Editor of the Arapahoe Community College Art and Literary Magazine ?The Progenitor,? and in 2004-2005 the Editor of the Arapahoe Observer newspaper.

During eight years of the 1990's, Keith wrote his column, "Philosophically Speaking" for the Downtown Denver News.

In August 2004, Keith's essay "Compassion at Death's Door" was published by The American Legion Magazine and received worldwide acclaim.

When neighbor Michael Conrad Kelley offered they work together on his manuscript ?Zooch the Pooch,? Keith was excited and honored to be involved in such a worthy project. An illustrated children's book and parenting tool, Zooch was published in November of 2005 and is available on their website or at Amazon.com.

Mike and Keith are also professional speakers presenting their inspirational talk & seminar "Seven Simple Steps to a More Fulfilling Life." They can be contacted directly for radio, TV and print interviews.

In December 2006, one of Keith's latest essays, "To Achieve Clarity in Life Make Meditation Part of Your Day" will appear in a new book "101 Ways to Improve Your Life" alongside notable authors such as Mark Victor Hansen of "Chicken Soup for the Soul" fame.

Keith formed Golden Years Videos, LLC with business partner Jeff Forman which produces exercise videos for senior citizens, and those unable to perform standing exercises. Always the exercise enthusiast Keith, wanted to provide a series of videos which would assist those in need of conditioning. You can see more about this at the Golden Years Videos website listed above.

In his leisure time, Keith studies philosophy, competes in American Cycling Association bicycle races around Colorado, loves to downhill ski, practices yoga, writes and climbs the Fourteener?s of Colorado?s Rockies.