How to face your fears

Fear, that primal instinct designed to protect us from danger, can also be a barrier to our  dreams and ambitions. It’s a universal sentiment; we’ve all felt it, that stomach-churning, heart-pounding sensation when contemplating something new, something outside our comfort zone.

Fear is an innate part of human nature, but can it be harnessed and transformed into a driving force for personal growth and achievement?

Step 1: Feel Your Fear

Fear is a natural response to the unknown. When embarking on a new venture or facing a challenge, it’s perfectly normal to feel apprehensive. Understanding that fear is a fleeting emotion, lasting only about 90 seconds, is essential. Recognise that it’s not an existential threat but merely a signal that something is different. Allow yourself to feel it; acknowledge its presence without judgement. Accepting fear as a part of the journey is  the first step towards conquering it.

Step 2: Embrace What You Feel

Embracing fear may seem counterintuitive, but it’s a crucial aspect of overcoming it. Instead of trying to eliminate it, accept it willingly and enthusiastically. Embracing fear means recognising it as a friend, not a foe. After all, fear is hardwired into our psyche for a reason – to protect us. Embracing your fears is a good way to prevent wasting energy on futile attempts to banish it and, instead, focus on understanding, managing and working through it.

Furthermore, sharing your fear with others can diminish its power. Discussing your fears with friends or writing them down in a journal can help you gain a clearer perspective. Shedding light on your fears makes them less intimidating and more manageable, ultimately empowering you to own and control them.

Step 3: Take Action

Aristotle believed that courage was the antidote to fear, and he was right. Action is the key to conquering fear. When you’re paralysed by anxiety and indecision, taking that first step can be daunting. However, it’s essential to understand that inaction often carries more significant risks than moving forward.

Consider the consequences of not pursuing your dreams or taking a calculated risk. What would your life look like three, six or twelve months from now if you let fear hold you back? Often, the fear we feel is exaggerated in our minds, and the risk of inaction far outweighs the challenges of stepping into the unknown. Would you rather have an ocean of fear or a mountain of regret?

Step 4: Repeat

Conquering fear isn’t a one-time achievement; it’s an ongoing process. Life is full of challenges, opportunities, and new horizons, each accompanied by its own unique set of fears. The goal is not to make fear disappear but to learn how to harness it as a source of motivation and strength.

Every time you face a challenge or venture into the unfamiliar, you’ll encounter fear. However, by feeling it, embracing it and taking action despite it, you weaken its grip on your life. Gradually, fear loses its intensity, and you become more resilient. You become the kind of person who faces their fears head-on, transforming them into stepping stones toward your dreams.

Fear is an inseparable companion on the path to success. Instead of seeking to eliminate it, learn to coexist with it and use it as a powerful source of motivation. Following the process charted above – Feel, Embrace, Act, Repeat – can transform your fears into the fuel that propels you towards your goals.