Are Your Fears Getting The Best Of You?

Are your fears getting the best of you? Change your mindset and start living your life to the fullest!

How many times have you given up on a goal or dream because of some vague, undefined fear? Instead of going for what you wanted, you settled for less.

According to Susan Jeffers, author of Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway (RM44.90 from MPH Online), most of us create fear-based obstacles in our minds that hinder us from reaching our full potential.

However, it is possible to make some positive changes. Here, we show you the steps you can take to become fearless.

STEP 1

Say, “Yes! I Can Handle It”

“Fear feels uncomfortable, so we want to avoid situations that create it,” says psychologist Dr Sarah Edelman, author of Change Your Thinking. “The problem with avoidance is that it reinforces your self-belief that you cannot handle those situations. You lose confidence in your ability to solve problems, which ends up making you even more afraid.”

WHAT TO DO

“Gradually expose yourself to things you are afraid of,” says Dr Edelman.

For example, you might want to meet new people but feel shy going to parties by yourself. Instead of walking into a room full of strangers, start off with small gatherings of a few people.

As you go, you will develop social skills that help you mingle and achieve your goal of making friends. The more you do it, the easier it gets.

STEP 2

Create A Fearless Vocabulary

“Words create fear,” says Susan. “When you use words like ‘disaster’, ‘terrible’, ‘I can’t’ and ‘I should’, your subconscious registers that you have no control. You can’t cope. The result is procrastination, apathy and fear.”