Fear: Is It Holding You Back?
Fear really frustrates me. There are times I get so frustrated with myself when the tension in my gut keeps me from moving forward. I have a project and need to learn how to work a particular piece of technology. I keep putting it off and putting it off. I know why I put it off. I'm afraid I won't be able to do it. There is no way I'm going to find out whether or not I can do it unless I, well, just do it.
Fear is the primary reason people don’t succeed. It's the primary reason people don't take the first step to see if they can succeed. If you are trying to improve yourself and your life you have to confront the fear of change. Successful people are commonly the ones who are able to manage the these feelings. If you don’t find a way to manage your fear you won’t succeed.
Learning to master your fear is the great first step in improving your life. Here are nine ways to conquer your fear and become successful… then I add a bonus strategy at the end.
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Begin with controlling your thoughts
Fear begins with a thought. You have the power to control what you think about. Thinking about stressful things will just stress you out. Being afraid makes you less effective. It makes you feel lesser than you are. You are amazing and you just don't know it. Control your thoughts and put yourself in the frame of mind you need to tackle the situation.
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What’s the worst that could happen?
Take a second to think about what the worst outcome could be. Ask yourself if you can handle it or do something to make that outcome easier to live with. If you know the worst that can happen, and you know you can handle it, then there’s nothing to be afraid of. When you prepare for the worst you find it rarely ever happens. Sometimes you'll discover the worst just isn't that bad.
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Don’t forget to breathe!
Take a few seconds to focus on your breathing. As you slow your breathing down and you slow down your mind. You know those times your thoughts are like a run-away train? Stop that train! Calming your mind down with slow deep breaths stops the running thoughts and leaves you in the present. When you get stressed a good way to fight it is to breathe slowly to a count of three, hold your breath for a count of three and then gently exhale to a count of three.
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What’s the best that could happen?
Instead of thinking about what can go wrong think about what can go right. Raise your expectations. Fear often melts away when you think about positive outcomes. Create the outcome you want in your mind and focus on it to get rid of your fear. Keep doing this and you will find it easier to believe that positive things can happen.
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Do some exercise
Physical exercise burns away more than just fat; it also burns away fear. After all it’s hard to be afraid when you’re exhausted. You can go on a run, or a walk, or just lift some weights. Whatever you do you’ll realize your more relaxed and calmer when you’re a little out of breath. The real reason you feel better is that exercise produces endorphins which lift your mood.
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Get help if you need it
Take the time to talk to friends or mentors, but be choosy about it. You want those who will be supportive. Try to find someone who has gone through the same things you are and support each other. Online forums are a good place to find help too. You stay anonymous as well which makes it easier to discuss your problems. There are coaches now who can give you guidance and direction. I know I certainly can.
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Understand that changes can cause fear
Sometimes when you feel afraid you are also excited. This is because you could be about to make a positive change in your life. You need to understand that nothing changes when you are completely comfortable with your life. So you should feel excited if a change makes you a little afraid. You really could be about to change your life for the better. Look forward with anticipation and watch what wonderful things can happen in your life.
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List the things that will be better if you move ahead
It can help to make a list of all the positive things that could happen if you face your fear. Think of different reasons to motivate and push you forward. If you are starting a new business for example then the positive outcomes are the potential to earn more money by doing something you love. You’ll be living your dream while also overcoming your fear and feeling great about it. Focus on these things you want to happen, not the things you don't want to happen.
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Just do it anyway
Fear may have you tied up in knots, but it is a terrible reason to not do something. Fear is usually unfounded. Stay brave and just do what you were going to do anyway. The more you do things that make you afraid the easier it is. You can build a tolerance to fear by facing it. Fear begins to dissolve. Be courageous. There is no courage without fear. If there is fear you can find your courage.
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Bonus strategy! Ask for healing
Ask for healing of the root cause of your fear. You can do this with the Soul Healing Prayer. If you haven't received your own copy, please click on this link.
Fear is often something that holds us back. It’s a roadblock you put down yourself. You need to know how to control fear so that you can move forward with your life. Feeling fear means that you’re about to make a great change. Don’t be scared by that; be excited! Do healing work as necessary.
