Fear is an emotion with which everyone is familiar. We’ve all been there, whether it’s that racing heartbeat when having to address a crowded room or the deep-seated apprehension of trying something new, risking failure. Sometimes, fear overcomes us and makes us stay inside our comfort zone without risk or challenge. What if fear, other than being a roadblock, served as a stepping stone to growth and self-discovery?
Now, take public speaking as an example. The very thought of standing before people makes many sweat at the very mention. It sets up an instant panic in one’s mind for being judged or making mistakes. But if we take a step back, we realize that most of them are supportive, not critical, and even if one stammers upon a word or forgets one of the points, it is likely to be forgotten quickly. This, in turn, builds confidence, heightens communicational ability, and unlocks new opportunities that come our way.
The second common fear is the fear of failure. It could be a new business, a job application, or another skill in which one wants to excel. But it is suggested that one shouldn’t fear failure at all; instead, think of it as part of the learning process.
Every failure bears a lesson worth learning, and brings us closer to our success. Most successful individuals face a certain number of failures before finally reaching their goals. We must not fear failure but rather welcome it as a part of growing up.
How would we overcome such fears?
1. Acknowledging the fear: The first step to facing our fears is to realize that the fear is indeed there. Trying to ignore it or act as though it doesn’t faze us only gives it more power. In acknowledging, therefore, we take away from the fear its very own power of control, instead of trying to put its existence under the rug and move along with life.
2. Break it down: Many fears feel so overwhelming because in one’s mind, it is an insurmountable giant. Try shrinking them down to smaller steps. If this was an irrational fear of public speaking, for example, one would first practice in front of a mirror, then a few friends, and work one’s way up with progressively larger audiences.
3. Change your perspective: Many times, fear amplifies the risks and diminutches the rewards. Try to change your focus from “What if I fail?” to “What if I succeed?” This shift in perspective may drive and give you the courage to undertake an action with the presence of fear.
4. Learn to love failure: Remember this, failure is never an enemy of success, it’s a part of the trip towards successful achievement. Each fall gets you closer, with greater experience and knowledge of what does not work, so you may move on with even greater clarity.
5. Be surrounded with support: Friends, family, and mentors-these will be your supportive circle that gives you more confidence when facing fears. They will be able to encourage and give a different perspective when those fears seem insurmountable.
We stare our fears in the eye and take our life back. Fear will always be natural but doesn’t need to be defined. In fact, confronting what is most daunting can present some of life’s most rewarding experiences. Rather than letting fear stop you, let it be the fuel to make the move toward exploring limitless possibilities on the other side.
