Fear isn’t failure or a psychological malfunction.

Fear is a part of our very wiring and is there to keep us safe and alive. Unchecked fear though, can keep us from joy rather than protecting us from harm.

Has fear ever held you back from pursuing a promotion, kept you from relaxing into an important relationship, or gotten in the way of your peace? You’re not alone!

For most of us, it’s impossible to simply turn off our fear. Our body reacts, making it difficult to respond in a way that’s thoughtful and in our best interest.

So, what can you do when fear stops you rather than protects you? We’ve found that courage is the answer.

Courage requires holding on tight to what you believe is possible, taking a deep breath, and a step forward.

The next time your fear stops you rather than protects you, consider using one or more of these suggestions.

Cheerlead.

  • Combine talking with yourself and using words that are kind and assuring, to turn things around and motivate you in moving forward.
  • Think about what you’d say if you were supporting a loved one…and then say that!

Move.

  • Walk, dance, run, stretch.
  • Doing something physically active will help you release some of the energy that gets built up with fear.

Name it.

  • Many times, you can regain your power by identifying and naming the fear that’s derailing you. It’s like bringing light to a scary dark place.
  • Fear often has power because it produces a visceral experience of something frighteningly wrong that hovers inside of you. Naming it can help you detach from its power.

Re-Name it.

  • Shifting the name from fear to excitement can shift the feeling as well.
  • Saying to yourself something like, “I get to do this!” or “This is going to be a rewarding experience!”, can change your sense of the impact, influence, and power you have in your life.

Reflect.

  • Getting curious about your fear is one of the best ways to navigate it. You can ask yourself,
  • What am I afraid of?
  • Is there genuinely a reason for me to feel that fear?
    • If yes, how do I reduce the thing that’s causing the fear?
    • If no, how do I shift my reaction to recognizing it’s not a significant threat?

Ask for support.

  • Reaching out to someone you trust for support, can help you move away from fear and can accelerate your ability to explore if the fear is there to protect you.
  • Consider reviewing the above reflection questions, together.

This week, think about the places in your life where you’re taking action and spend some time honoring your courage.

We also encourage you to consider the spaces where you can start to take action—even when you’re afraid.

To build trust in your ability to take action on your own behalf and on behalf of the people you love, it’s important for you to recognize what a powerful and courageous person you are.

You’ve got this!

If you’d like support
navigating your fear,
contact us today.