There are many fears that we face in society today. Some face fears of public places, called agoraphobia. Others have a fear of spiders, called arachnophobia. While others may have a fear of heights, called acrophobia. Strangely enough, all fears are learned and not fears we are born with. Of all the fears out there, one of the worst is a fear that you won’t succeed or become the best person you can be. Let’s discuss the ways to combat these fears head on.
Fear paralyzes action in a situation; therefore, if you are afraid of heights you may just freeze and not be able to function at a high elevation. The fear may cause your mouth to go dry and your heart to beat at a much faster pace. Breathing may also become shallow and the stomach may begin to churn. The body begins to go into “fight-or-flight” mode and cause us to be gripped in the fear.
Visualize
Visualize yourself overcoming your fear and performing well at a task that may be fearful. This visual image will eventually be accepted by your subconscious. This technique can help change your self-image and the way you see yourself. The alteration may help you find the courage to take on this fearful task.
Own It
In this scenario, you talk and walk like you are unafraid of whatever task you may have recently had a fear towards. Own it and act as if that fear is no longer present and use your courage to combat the fear and face it head on.
Law of Reversibility
The law of reversibility says if you feel a certain way you will act in a manner consistent with that feeling. Therefore, you develop the courage you desire by repeatedly telling yourself to do the thing you fear and at some point, the fear will disappear.
Move Toward Fear
When you identify a fear and discipline yourself to overcome the fear it grows smaller and overcoming the fear becomes more manageable. Even better is the confidence that grows as your fear shrinks. In contrast, if you take steps backward in combating your fear the fear grows stronger and becomes a more significant part of your life.
Imagine the Worst
Sit back and imagine the worst thing that could happen to you in the given fear scenario. Maybe it is embarrassment or even a heart attack. There is not a clear way to think yourself into a heart attack, so as you realize this the fear will run away.
Visualize a Happy Place
If you take a moment to think about a beautiful and comfortable place and close your eyes it can induce a calming effect. Maybe think about a happy childhood memory that gives you positive feelings that can soothe the fear and anxiety you may be feeling in a given situation.
Talk About It
Talking about your fears can be a way to strip some of the scariness away.
