From Paralyzed to Empowered: Ways to Overcome Fear

We've all experienced it: Fear is a lifelong steady companion for most of us, and you know what? It's ok.

Fear is a basic human emotion that serves an important purpose. The fear response itself starts in the amygdala - a region of the brain that is linked to emotional learning, memory, and other emotional processes. We also refer to it as the animal brain, and its main function is to keep us safe by warning us of potential dangers and threats. However, while fear can be useful, it can also hold us back from trying new things and taking risks. Anything unknown is perceived as a potential threat, and therefore we so often find ourselves making up excuses or not doing something we actually want to do.

In this article, we'll explore how fear functions and provide some tips for overcoming it.

How Fear Functions

Fear is a complex emotion that involves a combination of physical and psychological responses. When we feel fear, our bodies release adrenaline, which prepares us for fight or flight. We may experience symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, and rapid breathing. At the same time, our brains may go into overdrive, imagining worst-case scenarios and generating negative thoughts. This often shows in the form of making up excuses or finding reasons for not doing something.

This can cause us to feel stuck in our comfort zones, limiting our growth and not reaching our full potential.

Ways to Overcome Fear

Fortunately, there are many ways to learn to deal better with fear, and ultimately overcome it. The goal isn't to look at fear as our "enemy", but more as a friend who is trying to keep us safe, even though he tends to be over-sensitive. Often, there are underlying reasons for our fears, so every time we experience it it's a beautiful opportunity to dig deeper and understand where it's actually coming from.

Here are a few strategies:

1. Take some time to explore: Whenever you find yourself doubting yourself or being scared of something, how about trying to look at what lies behind that fear? Often we have subconscious reasons that trigger a certain emotional response, but once we understand our internal patterns and processes, we have the ability to adjust and overcome fear.

2. Face your fears: Maybe not for everyone, but one of the best ways to overcome fear is to face it head-on. This means confronting the thing that scares you, whether it's public speaking, heights, or trying something new. By gradually exposing yourself to the thing you fear, you can build confidence and reduce the power of the fear.

3. Reframe your thoughts: Fear often comes from negative thoughts and beliefs. To overcome fear, try reframing your thoughts in a more positive way. Instead of imagining all the things that could go wrong, focus on the potential benefits of taking action. Ask yourself, "What's the worst that could happen?" and challenge your negative beliefs.

4. Take small steps: Overcoming fear doesn't have to mean taking a giant leap. Instead, try taking small steps toward your goal. Break your goal into manageable chunks and tackle them one at a time. This can help you build momentum and feel more confident.

5. Seek support: Overcoming fear can be a difficult journey, but you don't have to do it alone. Seek support from friends, family, or a coach. Surrounding yourself with positive, encouraging people can help you feel more confident and motivated.

Again, fear is not our enemy. Being patient with ourselves and trusting our inner power are the best ways not to let fear control our life too much. As I was taught in school: "Fear is just excitement on pause" and you have the power to transform it.