Even the most courageous people have fears to overcome. No matter what it is that scares you, learn how to acknowledge, confront and take ownership of your fear to keep it from holding you back in life.
Start by acknowledging it. It's easy to ignore or deny our fears, even to ourselves, in a society that stresses the importance of being strong and brave. But courage can't come into play unless you have a fear to face down. By owning your feelings you've taken the first step toward gaining control over the situation. You can overcome fear by facing it every time it comes your way, and, once you decide to make up your mind, your fears will dissolve away.
Start by acknowledging it. It's easy to ignore or deny our fears, even to ourselves, in a society that stresses the importance of being strong and brave. But courage can't come into play unless you have a fear to face down. By owning your feelings you've taken the first step toward gaining control over the situation. You can overcome fear by facing it every time it comes your way, and, once you decide to make up your mind, your fears will dissolve away.
Define Source of fear. Approaching your fear as something with a beginning and an end can help you see that you have the power to contain it. If you can clearly see the shape of your fear, you'll be able to recognize when its affecting you and handle it more effectively. Answer the following questions to better understand your fear.
Imagine the outcome you desire. Now that you completely understand your fear, think about what exactly you want to change. You already have your big goal set - you want to overcome your fear - but it's important to set smaller concrete goals to help you get there.
Don't confuse fear with fate. If you're afraid of failure, you might decide that it is your fate not to start the catering business you've always wanted, move away from your hometown or overcome your fear of social interaction. The truth is, you have control of your future. You have the power to determine the path you will take. Resist the temptation to hope things turn out for the best and leave it up to fate.
Try gradual desensitization. Oftentimes we're afraid of something because we haven't been exposed to it very much. "Fear of the unknown" is a commonly used phrase to describe the automatic aversion people feel to something that's different. If you're afraid of something because it's a mystery, try exposing yourself to it in small doses until you gain a better understanding and your fear begins to dissipate.
Don't let other people hold you back. Recognize when someone is feeding your fears by telling you you're inadequate or incapable of changing. Surround yourself with people who want you to overcome your fears and reach your potential.
Try gradual desensitization. Oftentimes we're afraid of something because we haven't been exposed to it very much. "Fear of the unknown" is a commonly used phrase to describe the automatic aversion people feel to something that's different. If you're afraid of something because it's a mystery, try exposing yourself to it in small doses until you gain a better understanding and your fear begins to dissipate.
Change the Way You Think About Fear. The same things we fear also incite feelings of exhilaration and even passion. That's why people enjoy extreme sports, horror movies and swimming with sharks on vacation. Try to re-frame your fear in a positive light and acknowledge the thrill it can offer. When you start seeing fear as a source of energy, you might even embrace its role in your life.
Be Bold. There is Magic in Boldness. Be bold in a good, moral way. It mean just do what you need to do and you think it is morally correct. This is probably best suited to conquer social anxiety. You will surely appreciate the magic that boldness will certainly bring into your life.
Start seeing fear as an opportunity. Fear can be used as a tool to help us identify problems and solve them effectively. It's a guidepost, a red flag that warns us when something needs attention. Once the discomfort of the initial wave of fear passes, examine it more closely to see what you can learn.
Let yourself be afraid sometimes. There's no way to completely eliminate fear from your life. It's as valid an emotion as joy or sadness. Fear builds character and teaches us how to act with courage. Don't be hard on yourself if you have a lot of fears. Fear is a natural response to situations that are out of our control, and feeling it just means you're human.
Celebrate your victories. Don't wait until your fear has been completely overcome to give yourself a pat on the back for your effort. Celebrate each milestone, whether you told a story to a group of people at a party, saw a spider and realized you didn't want to run away, or took a trip to a different city by yourself for the first time. When you see how good it feels to gain an edge on your fear, you'll be ready to face the next one.
