Fear to Freedom Project

7 Steps to Overcome Fear

A Road less Travelled

Fear and self-doubt are two things that every person faces or will face in life at some point. These are also two of the biggest obstacles to overall peace and happiness.

Some people feel more fear and self-doubt than others. And, some are better at overcoming these emotions than others.

Regardless of where you fall on the fear/self-doubt spectrum, there are many things you can do to rise above these emotions.

Conquer your fear and self-doubt with this process:

1. Identify what you’re actually afraid of. What do you really fear? Most of us don’t have to worry about being eaten by a wild animal. Our lives are rarely in danger.

The most common fears in a modern society are social phobias and fear of failure and/or embarrassment. Of course, there are others.

If you want to start a business or a youtube channel, but can’t seem to get started, what is your real concern?

Maybe you want to express your concern about a procedure at work that does not produce results. What is the real fear? Question your motives. What are you really afraid of?

Our subconscious mind dictates our reality so dig deep to understand the root cause or origin of the fear. Once you uncover the fear, you’ll have a chance to address it.

2. Create experiences related to your fear that are NOT as uncomfortable for you. Perhaps you have a fear of public speaking. What could you do that’s similar, but less terrifying? You could:

Give a speech to a group of friends

Give a speech to yourself in the mirror

Visualize yourself giving a speech

Do more group activities and speak up more

If you’re afraid of heights, you could start by looking down over a 2nd floor balcony and slowly work your way up to greater heights. You could use a smaller ladder in your home during house cleaning.

3. Take action. Thinking creates and magnifies fear. Stop thinking and be present. Taking action decreases fear. One of the best ways to get over fear is to immediately take action before you have a chance to talk yourself out of it. “Feel the fear and do it anyway”.

Most people would be more successful, happier, and less afraid if they thought less and did more.

4. Visualize yourself being unafraid. Imagine you have a twin that’s exactly like you, but different in beliefs and skills. If you could build the perfect twin, what would they be like? What skills, beliefs, and attitudes would they have? How would they handle the situation that creates fear in you?

Allow yourself to become that twin.

5. Set yourself up for small successes. Make the game so easy that you can’t fail. As you gain confidence, increase the stakes a little. Get used to being successful in the situations that cause you to feel fear.

If the thought of speaking in a group is absolutely terrifying to you, then start by speaking to a couple trusted colleagues before the meeting, then start by complimenting someone or showing gratitude for something you learned.

Show yourself that you can do it. Show yourself that nothing bad is going

to happen to you when you face your fear. Show yourself that you can CONQUER FEAR.

6. Be realistic. What is the worst consequence you are likely to endure if the thing you fear comes true? It’s probably not anything you can’t handle!

What happens if the publisher rejects your book? What if your speech

doesn’t go well? What’s actually going to happen to you? Will you still be

safe? Will your family still love you?

7. Get help. Whether you need some help from a friend or a professional, there’s no shame in getting help. You would get help if your car’s axle broke. You’d get help if you had a broken leg. Get the help you need to deal with your fears.

How much do you allow fear and self-doubt to rule your life? Imagine what your life would be like if you could overcome all of your fears and self-doubt.

Most people avoid the actions that trigger these uncomfortable feelings. You can do better. You can act in the face of these emotions and live your life to the fullest.

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