Human beings feel a wide range of emotions. Examples of these are love, joy, sadness, anxiety and fear. One of the most striking ones is fear. This is an emotional response which we feel when we perceive a threat. Fear causes certain changes in the functions of our brains and our organs. It affects our nervous system too. When we are afraid, we can freeze on the spot, run and hide or get aggressive and fight back. This emotion can be caused by confrontation or the action of avoiding a threat. It can also be caused by discovering something frightening. Fear can be a very powerful emotion. It can prevent us from making progress in our lives as we would desire. It can also cause us to doubt ourselves and suffer from low self-esteem. Fear can be debilitating. Thankfully, there are some actions which you can perform to overcome your fear. Here are some effective ways to overcome the fears that are holding you back.
Accept that your fears exist
This is the first step to overcoming the fear which is holding you back. It is also the biggest step in the process. Many of us normally have fears that hold us back. However, we push them to the back of our minds. We ignore and refuse to acknowledge them. In addition to that, we pretend that the fears do not exist. Our fears sit there and continue to harass us throughout our lives. This is a fate worse than death. Thus, to eliminate their power over you, acknowledge your fears. Accept that they exist and describe them and their effect on you. This is a major step that allows you to separate yourself from your fears. In doing so, you can now begin to overcome them.
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Put them on paper
To overcome your fears, you should identify them and then write them down on a piece of paper. This is a physical symbol that you have acknowledged your fears and also made them external to you. Writing down your fears takes them out of the dark recesses of your mind and exposes them to the light of day. When your fears are in your mind, they have power over you. However, when you write them down on paper, you have power over them. Writing them down allows you to take control. It is a process of removing them from inside you and placing them outside where you can do something about them. Once you have finished writing down the fears, you can pass judgment on them. You can burn the paper. You can also crumple it up, tear it up or stomp on it. Whichever method you prefer will be ideal for getting the fears out of your life. You can also post them at a place where you will see them regularly. This will remind you of the enemies you have to fight every day. It will motivate you to overcome your fears.
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Allow yourself to feel your fears
Acknowledging and making your fears external are just the first steps. They only give your fears some identity. Now you need to eliminate the feeling that they give you. In most cases, you may be embarrassed of having this fear. If you feel like this, take heart because we all have some embarrassing fears. Even the celebrities who we idolize have fears that they are shy about. Once you are fully aware that you are not alone, it is time to deal with the fear. Speak to yourself and say that there is nothing wrong with having your fears. After saying this, allow yourself to feel your fears. Experience every moment of them. You will realize that they are not as bad as you thought. It is simply a unique part of you but has no power over you. Feel your fear and then do what you want to do anyway.
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Transform your inner self-talk
We are our own worst critics. Our self-talk normally has a major effect on us. The words which we tell ourselves in our minds work to either convince us of our own strength or our weakness. In most cases when we feel fear, we are tempted to tell ourselves that we can't make it. We are also tempted to feel hopeless in the face of our situation. we can overcome our fears by transforming this self-talk. We can make it positive. In this way, it becomes constructive instead of destructive. Positive words of courage cause us to become stronger while negative ones destroy our resolve. Build yourself using positive self-talk and watch your fears disappear.
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Imagine the worst case scenario and create a backup plan
Whenever you face a situation that normally triggers fear in you, think about the worst case scenario. Ask yourself, "What is the worst thing that can happen?" It is important to imagine these scenarios prior to facing these fearful situations. In this way, you can come up with a Plan B in case things don't go your way. Having a backup plan gives you the confidence to face your fears and stay assured that you will stay strong even if the worst thing happens. You will notice that most of the time, it never turns out as bad as you had imagined. This is a practical way to plan ahead so as to beat your fears at their own game.
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Do not fear to try again
Fear can be brought about by experiencing a failure. If you fall, you may be afraid to stand up again. In such a case, it is important to know that your failure is simply a step forward towards your success. Learn a lesson from the failure, understand it and move forward. Do not let it instill the fear to try again. Persist in proceeding despite your fears and eventually, your courage will overcome them for good.
The Important Take away
Overcoming your fear is a major step to perform in your life. It can change your personal perception and open your eyes to opportunities. The steps above can help you to overcome your fears. They will help you to make progress in your life and become the best version of yourself that you can be.
