How to Overcome Fear in Ten Easy Steps

Fear: False Evidence Appearing Real. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, professionals built the Titanic.

Fear gets to the best of us, whether it is fear of failure, fear of success or even fear of fear. All of us have experienced fear at some point in our lives and it can be a real stumbling block that holds us back from being truly successful.

But don’t panic, there is a way to conquer these fears, and what better time to start than this New Year.

Here are my top 10 fast acting tips for you to conquer your fear this year:

1. Separate Reality From Perception

See the reality of the situation for what it is. Be rational and get clear on the facts. Soul search and explore your perception of the situation at hand.

2. Identify the Trigger

Isolate the specific aspects of the situation that trigger your fearful thoughts. What’s the worst that could happen? Change the way you look at these triggers and you will immediately change the way you react.

3. Know Where Fear Lives in Your Body

Be in tune with where your fear lives in your body. Use it as an indicator to tell you when something needs to be addressed. What you are aware of you can act on.

4. Become an Observer

When you observe something, you do it from a detached place. So if you become an observer of your fear, then you’re not in it and reacting instinctively.

We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.― Plato

5. Listen to Your Inner Talk

Monitor your inner conversations. When you hear negative self-talk, stop and change the script to positive talk. Keep repeating it.

6. Create a New Association

When you feel fear, conjure up a picture of something or someone you love. Keep repeating this and soon your brain will associate your fear trigger with something much more pleasurable.

7. Consider the Worst

Imagine the worst that can happen and come up with strategies that avoid or lessen the likelihood of it happening. What can you put in place to ensure that the worst-case scenario never happens?

Everything you want is on the other side of fear. — Jack Canfield

8. Look at the Glass Half Full

Perception is a very powerful thing. And how you feel about your situation dictates how you respond. So think positively and you’ll give yourself a much better chance of success.

9. Learn How to Create Space

Because fear happens in the emotional part of the brain, it’s natural to act instinctively. So when fear rises, break the fear cycle by stopping, creating space and breathing. This will give you time to calm down and allow your rational brain time to catch up.

10. Make it Safe

When you feel safe, there is no need for fear. One of the best ways to overcome fear is to create the safest environment possible. And that’s why it’s important to practice, practice and practice again.

Finally don’t let fear hold you back from reaching your goals and highest potential. Remember, it’s your life, your choice, so live your greatest life!