Fear and self-doubt are two things that everyone faces from time to time. These are also two of the biggest obstacles to success 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 a number of things you can do to rise above these emotions.
Conquer your fear and self-doubt with the following process:
1. Identify what you are afraid of.
What do you really fear? Most of us do not have to worry about being eaten by tigers. Our lives are rarely in danger. The most common fears in a modern society are failure and making a fool out of oneself. Of course, there are others.
- If you want to start a business, but cannot seem to get started, what is your real concern?
- Maybe you want to ask someone out on a date. What is the real fear? They certainly are not going to hit you over the head with a rock.
- Be aware of your actual fear, and then you will have a chance of addressing it.
2. Find situations related to your fear that are only mildly uncomfortable.
Perhaps you have a fear of public speaking. What could you do that is similar, but less terrifying? You could:
- Give a speech to a group of friends
- Start conversations with strangers
- Visualize yourself giving a speech
- Do more group activities and speak up more
- If you are afraid of heights, you could start by looking down from a second-floor balcony and slowly work your way up to greater heights.
3. Take action.
Thinking creates and magnifies fear. Taking action diminishes fear. One of the best ways to get over fear is to immediately act before you have a chance to talk yourself out of it.
- 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 doppelganger that is like you, but different in other ways. If you could build the perfect mirror image, 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 doppelganger.
5. Give yourself small successes.
Set yourself up to win. Make the game so easy that you cannot fail. As you gain confidence, up the stakes a little. Get used to being successful in the situations that cause you to feel fear.
- If the thought of making 100 cold calls a day makes you break out in a cold sweat, give yourself the goal of making just one cold call. The next day, you can do three.
- Show yourself that you can do it. Show yourself that nothing bad is going to happen to you.
6. Be realistic.
What is the worst consequence you are likely to endure if the thing you fear comes true? It is probably not anything you cannot handle!
- What happens if the publisher rejects your book? What if your speech does not go well? What is 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 is no shame in getting help. You would get help if your car’s engine blew up. You would 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 your fears and self-doubt.
Many 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!!
***
Are you ready to make personal and spiritual changes in your life? Consider a one on one private session with Moira or a reading to free yourself from limitations and open yourself up to greater possibilities? Click here to open the door.
Please share this article with your friends using the links below:
