How many posts on social media do you read every day about having courage? Being more motivated? Having more faith?
What is fear about? Fear is defined as a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined.
According to Sadhguru: “Fear is simply because you are not living with life, you are living in your mind. Your fear is always about what’s going to happen next. That means your fear is always about that which does not exist. If your fear is about the nonexistent, your fear is hundred percent imaginary. If you are suffering the non-existential, we call that insanity. So, people may be in just socially accepted levels of insanity, but if you’re afraid or if you’re suffering anything which does not exist, it amounts to insanity, isn’t it?” Read the full article: ishafoundation.org
Zig Ziglar
What is Fear About?
We fear the unknown.
The fear of the unknown is human nature and we are apprehensive to try new things. According to some studies, we often fear an unknown outcome more than we do a known bad one. Also, most of us care a lot about what other people think and the thought of failing is awful.
It is important to have new experiences.
Trying something new takes courage and embracing courage can open a floodgate to discovering a love for something we never imagined. Trying something new challenges us and keeps us from becoming bored, especially the new things that are not easy.
Also, trying something new forces us to grow. We must take action whether it is a new attitude, a way of thinking or to thrust ourselves into a new situation. Challenging ourselves keeps us humble and open to new ideas.
Here are some strategies to overcome fear:
- If you focus on learning something new, you never really fail. You need to re-frame your goals. You may have a goal to make a certain amount of money online but is more productive and rewarding to focus on learning how to make money online.
- Along with being positive, you need to visualize yourself overcoming obstacles. Positive thinking alone is not enough. Think of a circumstance in which you are afraid to fail. Picture yourself in this dilemma and allow yourself to feel the fear. Then visualize yourself persevering.
- Separate truth from fear. Because we take failure very personally, it can lead to thoughts like “I am not good enough” or “I will never be successful.” If you did not meet a goal of earning that certain dollar amount, you might think “They were right, I’ll never make it on my own”. In reality, you are willing to take risks and learn from your mistakes. Take courage and move on.
Do not resist the feeling of fear.
We do not like the feeling of fear, but it can be paralyzing if we do not surrender to the feeling. Fighting it is stifling. If you allow yourself to feel it, then it will pass quickly so you can manage the situation.
The next time you are in a stressful situation, try to get away quietly by yourself and just focus on breathing for two minutes, time yourself. It will help to calm you and if you practice this, your body will naturally respond and it will become easier to move through fear.
Ultimately, it takes action to overcome fear.
The best action is educated action. Do your research and make an educated decision. Then take action. Taking no action reinforces feedback that inspires no action at all.
“Do. Or do not. There is no try.” Yoda image from starwars.com 10 best Yoda quotes.
Keep Yourself Motivated!
Zig Ziglar images are from Facebook/Zig Ziglar.
Thank you for reading What is Fear About? Please leave a comment or question below!
I like your thinking about fear and how to deal with it. I also followed the link you provided and really liked this: Fear is the path to the dark side, fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering”. I would say developing this line of thinking would be interesting to read. Perhaps you will do it? Jovo
Thank you for the good thoughts. Of course, Yoda is my attempt to entertain, but the sentiments are very real. I will work on expounding the topic.
Your post is much appreciated! I have to agree with Zig Ziglar in recommending a daily dose of motivation…Thank you for providing that.
All the best,
I like Zig Ziglar’s methods. He is profound and entertaining at the same time. Thank you for the kind words.
Hi Gina,
I like this article. It reminds me of a book called ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’ (or something similar) which was over 300 pages in length I think, which I read quite a while back.
You managed to say the same things I think in your excellent blog. What a great summary.
Kind Regards,
David
Hi David, I found it. It was authored by Susan Jeffers, Ph.D. Thank you for the reference and your kind comment.
I love this article Gina because in my capacity as a counselor I encounter many persons suffering from fear and depression, I have found that fear leads to depression and this has caused a sudden rise in the suicide rate in our country. The preacher/teacher in me will definitely acquire some of these pointers for future reference. Great website! good content, and easy navigation. Keep it up!
Hi Clyde, Thank you for the kind words. I am so happy you found my article helpful to use in your endeavours. Gina