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You know the feeling. It puts a knot in your throat and makes your knees feel weak. It likes to decide what your limitations and boundaries are. Sometimes, it will step in and stop you from making an unwise decision, but it can also be controlling, unreasonable, and totally random. If you haven’t guessed it already, we’re talking about the big F: Fear.
What is your biggest fear? Giant spiders? The ocean? Or the common fear of heights? This is a question many of us have answered at some point in our lives, but the conversation often ends here. So, we’d like to know, what is your biggest fear and how do you push past it?
Just in case you’re stuck on the phrase "giant spiders" and you haven’t conquered all of your fears just yet, here are five methods to help you overcome a fear.
1. Identify your fear
The first tip is to fully identify your fear. For example, if your fear is heights, why are you afraid of heights? Were you on a rollercoaster at a really young age and it scarred you for life? What are you really scared of? Identifying why a fear weighs on your mind may help you realize that it wasn't that intimidating to begin with.
2. Be grateful
Whenever you feel fear overcoming you, switch your train of thought to what you are grateful for instead. For example, if you’re afraid of public speaking, transition your mind to that you are grateful for the opportunity to communicate with so many people and they are interested in what you have to say. Being optimistic and keeping a positive mindset especially towards anything that hinders you can help you conquer it.
3. Take action
Fears are just fears. They are created by your imagination to make reality seem scarier than it really is. When you take action and face your fears, they become weaker because you have experienced it in reality. You may surprise yourself on how easy this becomes especially with repetition. You are in control!
4. Write it down
Whether it is overcoming a fear or your brain is just scattered, putting your phone away, taking out a pen and paper, and writing down your thoughts can help you organize what you are thinking. If you are scared of making a life-changing decision, try making a list of pros and cons and make a choice after all of the factors that you can think of are written down in front of you.
5. Start a new hobby
Changing up your daily routine and finding a new hobby such as joining a gym, or taking on yoga can help you improve your physical health, which can help clear your head and improve your state of mind. Who knows, you may even find that you’ve dropped a few fears without even noticing after a few months of sweating it out at the gym!
