If you really listen to Timo Cruz’s explanation of what their deepest fear is, you can understand that this happens far too often in today’s society.  Young athletes and students are afraid to shine for fear that it is not the correct thing to do.  It is not that they cannot shine, they just chose not to.  It is tough to determine why this choice is made.  Is it because they are afraid to make others feel bad because of their success or is it that being able to do things that others cannot is not “cool”?  I have seen the latter happen quite often when a student gets a paper returned to them with a good grade and then gets picked on for doing well.  As a result, that students chooses not to do as well in the future in order to avoid the harassment.  Overall, this can only be bad for our society because it prevents someone who has a bright future from actually living up to their capabilities. 

On the other hand, Timo Cruz has other thoughts on people’s deepest fear.  Cruz feels that people are afraid to shine for fear of making others feel inadequate, that doing well will make others feel badly about their own shortcomings.  However, it is what he says after that, that is most striking.  By doing well, you empower others to follow your lead and in turn they will also want to do well.  This type of thinking can be contagious and can be the foundation of success.    By shining through our own actions we encourage others to do the same, and if they do, then can we be liberated from our deepest fear…being powerful beyond measure.