Throttle FEAR while it is SMALL, do not let the fear get a hold of you.
Fear is a silent thief. It steals our confidence, our sleep, our voice, and the opportunities that could have changed our lives.
We all face fear.
Fear of failure, rejection, loss, or even success. Sometimes it is the fear of the unknown “what if it does not work out?”, but then we also hear the faint voice in our head saying, “What if it does?”
Learn how to face your fears by analysing your fears rationally, and then by shifting your thinking and acting productively such that you can slowly overcome your fear. It is simply amazing!
After all, there are only two options where fear is concerned: either allow the fear to engulf you and run or hide and pretend to forget and bury it, or stand-up to rise above the fear. Fear is nothing but an invitation to grow beyond who you were yesterday!
My Experience
There was a time when I allowed fear to dictate my every move.
I feared failing, looking foolish, saying the wrong thing, being judged. I would overthink everything and end up paralysed, doing nothing.
One day, I decided to stop running. Instead, I wrote down everything that scared me, every worry, every insecurity, and I looked at that list and asked myself: “What is the worst that can really happen?”
Most of those fears lost their power the moment I saw them on paper. Some were just illusions. Others were challenges I could prepare for.
My journey has taught me that fear is not meant to be avoided; it is meant to be faced, understood, and outgrown.
STEPS TO OVERCOME FEAR
1. Acknowledge your fear.
Stop pretending you are not afraid. Awareness is the first act of courage.
Name the fear. Look at it directly.
2. Analyse your fear rationally.
Write down your fear and ask yourself:
- What exactly am I afraid of?
- What is the worst that could happen?
- How likely is that, really?
- What would I do if that happened?
This exercise transforms fear from a dark fog into clear, manageable steps.
3. Calm your body, focus your mind.
Practise deep, slow breathing. Go for a walk by the water, or under the trees. Let nature remind you that peace and safety are always within reach.
4. Start looking at all the good that has happened in your life, all the good and positive you are currently surrounded with and then keep reassuring yourself that you are at a wonderful stage now.
5. Replace fear with focus.
Stop asking, “what if it goes wrong?” and start asking, “what can I do to make it go right?”.
Focus your energy on where you want to go, your desires and outcomes, the actions you can take to resolve your fear or anxiety and stop thinking about anything else.
6. Prepare and act.
Prepare as best you can, then take the first step. Plan your actions and mitigations that you can follow through to achieve the best possible success. Confidence is built through movement.
7. Step it up and just go for it – dive into the deep end – yeah!
STEPS TO OVERCOME ANXIETY
Similarly, when anxiety or panic starts to rise within you, remember you are not powerless. You can calm your mind, soothe your body, and reclaim your peace.
1. Breathe Deeply and Slowly
Start by practising deep, slow breathing. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth, consciously slowing down your breath helps calm the nervous system and brings your focus to the present moment.
2. Step Into Nature
If the situation allows, go for a walk outdoors. Observe the beauty of the leaves, flowers, birds, or the moon. Immersing yourself in nature is a gentle form of meditation that instantly grounds and centres you.
3. Write and Reflect
Write down everything that is triggering your anxiety. Then, list all possible actions you can take to move toward your desired outcome. Once you have your plan, act on it. Action dissolves fear.
4. Redirect Your Thoughts
When overthinking or worrying about the future, consciously shift your focus.
Listen to uplifting music, watch something that makes you laugh, or do an activity that brings you joy. Positive distractions help break the cycle of anxious thinking.
5. Seek Knowledge and Guidance
Explore reliable sources, such as relevant books, articles, or motivational talks, that provide clarity and strategies to resolve what is troubling you. Empower yourself with knowledge and inspiration.
6. Affirm Your Strength
Affirm powerful, uplifting statements such as:
“I am calm, safe, and in control.”
“I trust that everything is working out for my highest good.”
These affirmations reprogram your subconscious to support peace and confidence.
7. Connect and Communicate
Do not isolate yourself. Talk to your family, friends, or a trusted professional. Sharing what you feel often brings relief and a fresh perspective.
Be BRAVE
With consistent practice of the above steps, your fear and anxiety will begin to fade, replaced by a sense of peace, strength, and renewed purpose.
Fear will always exist, but it does not have to rule our life.
The secret is not to be fearless, but to be BRAVE despite fear.
Each time you stand up to it, you reclaim your power, your peace, and your freedom.
Take a moment today and ask yourself:
- What am I afraid of right now?
- What is one small action I can take to move through that fear?
Write it down and take that step, because courage is not the absence of fear, it is the decision to move forward anyway.
