Fear Holding You Back? A Proven Guide to Embracing Change
Who has fears? “Not me!” said nobody at all.
As a life coach who helps business owners navigate the tricky obstacles they encounter, I know how scary it can be to take on new challenges. In today’s world, where things are always changing and being creative is super important, overcoming fear is a big deal if you want to succeed.
So, in this article, you will learn why fear can be a helpful friend, discover some simple ways to conquer it, and see how embracing change can completely transform your game. Let’s kick that fear to the curb and unleash all the amazing things you can do!
Who's Afraid? - Yes, it's Me!!
This is the part of the article where I really reveal my age. Which isn’t forever 35… lol.
Back in the day, I used to tune in religiously to “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” It was a ritual to catch Brainiac Velma, fashionista Daphne, jock Fred, hippie Shaggy, and the talkative Great Dane, Scooby-Doo, as they piled into their iconic green van, the Mystery Machine, ready to tackle all sorts of odd occurrences. Funny thing is, even when they weren’t on the lookout, mysteries seemed to find them anyway. Classic “ruh-roh” moments all around!
This motley crew seemingly solved each and every mystery that faced them. And no doubt, there were scary moments (well, scary to a kid), but they seemed to fight through them and discover who the villain was up to all the scary and unpredictable things happening around them. At this point, you may be thinking to yourself, “What does an old children’s show have to do with me? I have bills to pay and some serious worries!” Great question!
Even though our fears can feel like they are getting in the way, they are actually here to help us. In the next section, let’s talk about the science of why we have fearful thoughts.
The Science Behind the Fear
Have you ever wondered why you feel scared or nervous when you’re about to try something new or tough? Well, it’s because of a small but super important part of our brain called the amygdala. This tiny brain bit controls our body’s reaction when we’re faced with things that seem scary.
Whether it’s starting something new in your business, getting into a new relationship, or making big changes in your life, the amygdala kicks into action, making us feel all jittery to keep us safe.
How fear helps
Yes, our brain wants to keep us safe from flying too close to the sun, risking all of our money on things that may not work, or avoiding people who remind us of dangerous people from the past.
And thank goodness for that because if we are naturally impulsive, we will be like the kid who runs while holding scissors! And nothing good can come if there are no natural guardrails in our mind that say, “Oh…I don’t think that is a good idea.”
How fear doesn’t help
But here’s the thing: while the amygdala means well, sometimes it can be too careful. It likes things to stay the same and gets worried when stuff is different. That’s why we get those annoying feelings of doubt, putting things off, and getting in our own way. But don’t worry, because we can actually control these feelings and find our inner strength.
In the next section, let’s talk about seven practical ways we can conquer our fears.
It's tempting to compare yourself to other people and their successes. But everyone's journey is different, and comparing yourself to others can make you feel bad about yourself. Instead, focus on your own progress and be proud of the small victories along the way.
Overcome Your Fear – 7 Practical Tips for Success:
Here are some simple tips to help you deal with fear and keep moving forward:
Make Fear Your Friend: Instead of seeing fear as something bad, think of it as a buddy on your journey. It’s normal to feel scared, and sometimes it can even help you grow. By thinking of fear as a guide instead of a roadblock, you can face challenges with bravery and strength.
Think About What You Could Miss Out On: Take a moment to think about what might happen if you let fear hold you back. You could miss out on great opportunities, stop yourself from being creative, or not reach your full potential. Knowing what you could lose might give you the push you need to keep going, even when things seem scary.
Don’t Compare Yourself to Others: It’s tempting to compare yourself to other people and their successes. But everyone’s journey is different, and comparing yourself to others can make you feel bad about yourself. Instead, focus on your own progress and be proud of the small victories along the way.
Get Support: Surround yourself with people who believe in you and can cheer you on when things get tough. Having friends, mentors, or colleagues who support you can make a big difference in overcoming fear and reaching your goals.
Take Small Steps: Big tasks can seem overwhelming, but breaking them down into smaller steps can make them more manageable. By tackling one thing at a time, you can build confidence and keep moving forward.
Reflect on Your Progress: Check in with yourself regularly to see how you’re doing and what you can improve on. Being aware of your strengths and weaknesses can help you stay focused on your goals and adjust your plans as needed.
Celebrate Your Wins: Don’t forget to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Each step forward is a sign of your determination and resilience, and you deserve to be proud of yourself.
The image below summarizes my thoughts. Next, I will share my final thoughts.
Final thoughts
As we finish up our journey through fear and change, I want to encourage you to believe in the amazing strength you have inside. By knowing a bit about why we feel scared and using simple tricks to beat those fears, you can open up new doors in your business and your life. Remember, things are always changing, but it’s up to you how you grow from it. So, let’s squash that fear bug and bravely face what’s next.
If you’re feeling ready to tackle your fears and reach your full potential, I’d love to work with you as your personal coach. Together, we’ll tackle any obstacles that come our way and move towards your goals.
And don’t forget to check out this episode from my podcast, “The Introverted Entrepreneur,” where we talk about healing from tough times, communicating better, and becoming the best version of yourself. Because when it comes to beating fear, knowledge is your secret weapon. Here’s to a future filled with bravery, strength, and endless possibilities!
