Fear is a basic human instinct. And normal. We all try to conquer fear at varying degrees in different situations. If we weren't afraid, imagine how many foolish risks we would take-like jumping off a roof, petting a tiger or even walking into oncoming traffic. Healthy fear stops us from doing risky things.
Deep down, everyone is afraid. However, too much fear is not a good thing as it can hold us back from achieving our potential-from becoming our best selves. In its worst form, fear can even paralyze and confuse.
People who confront and conquer their fear are successful. They work through their issues and get ahead regardless. If we don't face our fears, we miss out on a lot in life. We're left with the could haves, should haves, would haves. And that would be such a sad waste of the gift of life!
If we want to achieve our goals, we must learn to conquer fear-face our fears. We must evaluate the seriousness of the threat and redirect that energy to get where we want to be.
Fortunately, there's no need to stay stuck. Once you learn to control fear, it shrinks in size.
Why let fear of the unknown stop you from taking action?
It is a simple choice: conquer your fear or be controlled by it.
Let me share best-selling author and entrepreneur Tim Ferriss 's 7 step checklist to conquer fear.
7-step checklist to conquer fear
Take time to sit and answer the questions he raises. Choose something you really want to do that scares the heck out of you-something that you are holding back from taking the leap. Reflect on it. Be honest. And don't let your inner critic get in the way and control your answers. No what ifs-just write your answers.
1. What is the worst that could happen?
My uncle always loved to say this: There's nothing so bad that cannot be worse. This used to annoy me a little bit but now that I am older and hopefully wiser, it makes sense. So...go ahead and think big. Think of the change you want to make in your life. Imagine the worst possible consequence. Be detailed. Would this consequence damage your life permanently? What kind of long-lasting impact will it have on you on a scale of 1 to 10? How likely is it that this will happen?
2. How would you fix it?
Suppose the worst did happen how can you get things back on track?
3. What other outcomes could there be?
Let's say you took the leap and changed your life. What are the more likely outcomes and how much would they affect your life? What positive outcomes can you expect?
4. What would you do if you lost your job today?
What if you were fired today from you job? Go back to the first three questions now. If you decide to quit your job to explore other options, can you come back to a place of financial security or the same career point if you had to?
5. What is fear preventing you from doing?
Maybe fear is stopping you from doing the things you want to do-right from answering that awkward email to that uncomfortable conversation. Take it one step at a time and try to do one thing every day that scares you. Grit your teeth and just do it. Avoiding it won't make it better.
6. What are you missing out on by not taking your chances?
What are you missing out on by not taking the chance or making that phone call? By not taking action, by not pursuing the opportunities, you could be losing out in a big way. Why be that person who looks back with regret just because they were too scared to say yes?
7. Just do it!
Be like Nike! Just do it. There's no such thing as the right time to do something. In fact, the right time is usually now. Some day is not a day of the week. Just look your fears in the eye and dare them to stop you!
Here are four tips to conquer fears and achieve your goals
Take baby steps
Whatever your fears-whether it is speaking in public, climbing a mountain, or giving a major presentation at work, there's no need to do it all in one go. Think about what you want to achieve and split it into smaller steps. Each baby step will increase your confidence, shrink your fear and take you closer to your goals.
No need to do it all alone. You don't have to hide your fear or overcome it on your own. Lean on your support network-your friends, your family, your colleagues at work who'll have your back and cheer you on. If necessary, reach out to a mentor for professional advice. Anxiety issues? Get pro help. Be kind to yourself and get the support you need.
Focus on the positive
Be positive. This will dispel your fear and worry. A negative mindset just makes things worse, paralyzing you and making you feel helpless. Take a good look around you and pinpoint what is good in your life. Focus on the abundance. When you learn to accept that you deserve success and deserve to win, you can concentrate on actually getting there.
Own your story
Change your perspective and see yourself as a strong, competent, successful person. This will help you say goodbye to your self-doubt. Your inner critics will have no choice but to run away. Take control of your story. Make the decision to be confident. Make a list of all the negative things that occupy space in your head. And for each negative thing, note down a positive one. Give self-doubt a kick in the rear by highlighting your skills, your talent, your strengths, your positive points. Soon you'll see how they overtake the weak points and you'll find yourself in control of your own success story.
Do try it.How do you conquer fear?
Maybe you'll also like to read 11 things you should care less about to be truly happy
