Overcoming Your Fears

At times, genuine threats give rise to fear, yet fear can also develop from imagined threats. Luckily, all fears are learned; no one is born with them. Consequently, we can unlearn our fears by regularly practicing self-control over them until they disappear.

“Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.” –Sir Winston Churchill

Fear is an organic, basic, and powerful human emotion. It is a general biochemical reaction and an emotional response—one that warns us to be careful. In the case of danger or a threat of some kind of harm, whether physical or mental, fear cautions us.

At times, genuine threats give rise to fear, yet fear can also develop from imagined threats. Luckily, all fears are learned; no one is born with them. Consequently, we can unlearn our fears by regularly practicing self-control over them until they disappear. The most well-known feeling of trepidation we experience arises from the fear of failing, which frequently suppresses all desire for progress. This overwhelming feeling can convince individuals to keep away from danger of any sort and to dismiss opportunity when it is introduced to them. They are so terrified of disappointment that they are nearly deadened to the possibility of taking any risks whatsoever. To manage your fear and perform well despite it, the following can be done:

Anticipate accomplishment

When you are faced with a task you fear, imagine yourself performing it with certainty and capability, and that visual image will be acknowledged by your subconscious as a guideline for your behavior. Your mental self-portrait, the manner in which you see and consider yourself, is inevitably changed by instilling in your brain these positive mental images of yourself performing at your best. Competitors have been known to envision themselves successfully completing a physical task many times before even engaging in it. This psychological planning guarantees that when the body moves, it will follow its preappointed way. Following a similar practice will set you up to prevail at whatever you are attempting to accomplish.

Caption: Adobe Stock (Anticipate accomplishment)

Address your fear

Any time you force yourself to confront a fear-inducing circumstance in your life, your self-esteem, self-respect, and sense of pride increase. Challenging fear will eventually lead you to a point in life where you are scared of nothing. Taking the initial step can be tough, but at the same time, it is absolutely vital. You cannot conquer a fear that is in your subconscious mind, unaware of it. You should confront it. Turning toward your fear, as opposed to away from it, and learning to understand it will allow you to get to know it better. This, in turn, will help you overcome it. In particular, learning about your fear teaches you how to fight it.

Accept your fear

The best way of dealing with fear is to understand and embrace it. Fear can be useful. When we are scared of losing, failing, or spoiling something, fear guards us. It is not intrinsically awful or great, but it is a tool that can help us settle on better choices. Embrace your fear as guidance for your activities; however, do not let it control them. When you are fearful, take the opportunity to consider all your options and analyze them from the perspective of fear in an attempt to move away from it and toward guided decision making.

Attain knowledge

We fear nothing more than the unknown. If your fear is driven by the absence of information, it is best to gather as much information as you can in order to analyze your circumstances based on reality rather than conjecture. Take the time you need to research your situation and get through what you are feeling. Learn as much as you want about the fear you are facing. More knowledge will only lead to better problem solving and finding an alternative way to handle the fear. Gaining this knowledge will also help you practice mindfulness, a passive thinking activity that allows you to become more aware of your fear.

Caption: Adobe Stock (Attain knowledge)

Alter your attitude

Through positive affirmation, you can create an alternative attitude to replace fear. The mind can hold only one thought at a time. Ensuring every thought is positive will help create a constructive, fearless attitude. If a negative thought invades your mind, immediately replace it with a positive one and continue to do so until your fear fades; even if some fear lingers, you will still possess the courage to explore that particular plan, thought, or idea. Have the courage to keep trying until you achieve what you desire—do not give up. A change in attitude will create confidence and give you the strength to overcome fears. The power of positivity can significantly reduce fear in your mind. Hence, attitude plays an especially important role in overcoming your fears.

You can use your mind to modify the emotional response arising from fear. By embracing your fear, getting to know it, visualizing success despite it, and facing it head on, you will be well equipped to overcome any fear.

References:

“6 Strategies to Overcome Fear and Anxiety.” Real Life Counseling. Accessed October 27, 2020. https://reallifecounseling.us/overcome-fear-and-anxiety/.

Fritscher, Lisa. “What is Fear?” Verywell Mind. Medically reviewed June 19, 2020. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-psychology-of-fear-2671696#:~:text=Fear%20is%20a%20natural%2C%20powerful,danger%20is%20physical%20or%20psychological.

“How to Overcome Your Fears, Get Unstuck, and Fuel Your Success.” Brian Tracy International (blog). Accessed October 27, 2020. https://www.briantracy.com/blog/personal-success/fight-or-flight-overcoming-your-fears/.

Steimle, Josh. “14 Ways to Conquer Fear.” Forbes. January 4, 2016. https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshsteimle/2016/01/04/14-ways-to-conquer-fear/#54dd986f1c48.     

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