9 Ways To Combat Your Fears

Fear gets the best of us, whether it is fear of failure, fear of success or even fear of fear. All of us have experienced fear at some point in our lives & it can be a real stumbling block that holds us back from being truly successful.

Fear can’t hold you back forever if you don’t let it. There are several ways to overcome fear, here are my top 9:

1. SEPARATE REALITY FROM PERCEPTION

Ask yourself what is really going on, locate the facts & place them over your feelings.

2. IDENTIFY THE TRIGGER

Figure out what it is in a situation that triggers you. Learning to identify it will help you learn to combat it.

3. KNOW WHERE FEAR LIVES IN YOUR BODY

A lot of times, fear takes over physically. It affects different people in different ways. Identify if/how it affects your physical body & do the work to take care of your body. Ex: If you hold stress in your back, you can learn stretches, foam rolling, etc. to avoid the pain.

4. PRACTICE GRATITUDE

Every day, list out 1-3 things you are thankful for. It doesn’t matter how big or small it is, gratitude helps shift the mind into a positive light, which over time, overcomes fear.

5. LISTEN TO YOUR INNER VOICE

Monitor your inner conversations. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself. Speak positively to yourself & remind yourself of your strengths. Become your own best friend.

6. CREATE A NEW ASSOCIATION

Remind yourself that the feeling & the moment will pass. Focus on the positive outcome of the situation, rather than the scary in between.

7. LOOK AT THE GLASS HALF FULL

Perception is a very powerful thing, & how you feel about your situation dictates how you respond. So think positively and you’ll give yourself a much better chance of success. This won’t happen overnight; practice with just one thought. What is one recurring negative/fearful thought you have? Work on reversing this one thought. Over time, this will become a habit.

8. PRACTICE BREATHING EXERCISES

Breathing helps centre your body; when you stop breathing, your heart stops beating. When you slow your breathing down it sends a signal to the brain that all is safe.  You can do a grounding exercise by sitting still with your feet on the floor & eyes closed, or even just take 5 deep, long breaths at any point to calm & centre yourself. Try box breathing which is breathing in for 4 (or any number) counts, holding for 4 counts, releasing for 4 counts & holding for 4. It is best to start your day with this but feel free to practice all day long.

9. CREATE A SAFE SPACE

When you feel safe and secure, there is no room for fear. Find somewhere safe you can retreat to when ill feelings begin- whether this is a real place such as your bedroom, or a place in your mind such as the beach. This sense of comfort will soothe you & allow you to face your fear.

Please keep in mind, these are just 9 strategies each of which can be explored in more detail, not everything works for everyone. But this is a good place to start.

Start implementing these techniques into your life & don’t let fear hold you back from reaching your goals & your highest potential this year!

You were made for success!

I'm signing off, 
Anne
xoxo