Fear stops you from realising your true potential and keeps you confined within the walls of your comfort zone. You may think you can’t do something without even trying or refuse to take risks because it doesn’t make you feel safe. Whatever your fear is, never let yourself get too comfortable with “average.” Stop hiding behind your fears and start living. Here’s the truth about fear and how you can overcome it:
Acknowledge your fears
Stop pretending your fears don’t exist. Instead, try to figure out what you’re afraid of, acknowledge them, and find the solutions so you can move forward. Just remember that it’s not about getting rid of your fears, but to change the way you relate to it.
The unknown is not as scary as you imagine
How can you be afraid of something that you don’t even know? Sometimes you just have to experience things yourself in order to truly find out what you’re made of or discover your own strengths. Don’t let the media or naysayers derail you from making your dreams come true. Embrace the unknown, be open to new experiences, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way.
There is always a solution
The biggest mistake you can make is focusing on the problems instead of the solutions. For example, if you’re afraid to travel solo even though it’s something you have always wanted to do, try reaching out to other travelers online. Focus your energy on the positive side of things instead of dwelling on the ‘what-ifs’.
Your past does not control your present or future
Don’t let your past experiences dictate your present and future. If you keep reliving your past or dwelling on the negative experiences, you will never grow. Accept your past mistakes and flaws. Forgive yourself and believe that everyone deserves a second chance in life. You deserve to be happy!
Small steps can go a long way
When you feel overwhelmed, you tend to end up not doing anything at all. Remind yourself that you don’t need to figure everything out at once. You just have to take small steps to reach your goals. It’s okay if you hit a roadblock. Failure is not the end of the world. Instead, it gives you the opportunity to learn and grow.
You don’t need to keep your fears to yourself
Talk to a friend or family member and don’t carry the burden by yourself. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Those who care about you would be happy to help. Even if they can’t find the solutions, they might be able to point you in the right direction or share some ideas you could find useful.
Let your bucket list guide you
Create a list of all the things you wish to accomplish. Start by ticking off the simple targets first. Once you feel more confident, tackle the more challenging ones and be sure to set a deadline. For example, if you want to travel outside of South East Asia by yourself by the end of the year, then just buy those flight tickets. Stop worrying about the negative things that could happen and start imagining all the liberating moments you could experience instead!
