Too Adult

Everyone has one or two things that scare them. Some are rational fears, others not so much. Some people have phobias of certain objects, while others have a fear of social situations. Here are some tips to help you face your fears!

1) Own it.

Buy a large journal and keep it by your bedside every night before you go to sleep. Do this for 20-30 days in a row. Write down what happened during the day that made you feel afraid/anxious/scared during that day and then give yourself a dollar amount on how much money or success these events equate to for you over a lifetime (or just try estimating). For example: going to school = $500,000 /year. Then at the end of each entry, give yourself a dollar amount for how much these events are costing you in terms of money/success/happiness. After 20-30 days, review your journal and ask yourself if the fear is worth it or not. This can help to put things into perspective for you when it comes to limiting beliefs that make you feel afraid. For instance, if going to school costs me $500,000/year in terms of happiness compared to someone who hates their job but has plenty extra time to enjoy after normal working hours then it may not be worth it after all!

2) Practice visualization

If you have an irrational fear, then try researching the subject matter so that when you visualize it you are not holding back. For example, let’s say your irrational fear is spiders and you want to overcome it so that you can use them as pets. Research all about spiders and know everything there is – even the most random trivia – so there will be nothing left for your mind to imagine because you already imagined everything based on what knowledge has been presented to you through research. If this method fails, then I would recommend giving up and just living with it instead of trying to force change onto yourself which will only cause more harm than good in the long run.

3) Standup Comedy Therapy

Don’t know how? Watch standup comedy videos online or go see a live comedian perform (there should be at least one performing near you ). I know this sounds like a ridiculous idea on paper, but the more you make light of your fears and joke about it, the less threatening it becomes. You will realize that there is nothing to be afraid of after all because an inanimate object/action cannot harm you if you don’t allow it to.

4) Distract yourself until the fear goes away

This is an option for those who can control their surroundings and create a bubble of protection around themselves at least temporarily. For example: If you’re afraid of dogs, then keep looking ahead and avoid any eye contact with dogs or anything else that might trigger such fear such as animal toys (just do so by pretending they don’t exist). Keeping busy with activity will prevent too much exposure to the fear object/action and it will go away by itself. You might not feel any relief right away, but you can take comfort in knowing that your subconscious is working on the task at hand.

5) Let it be there forever if need be

This option is for those who are brave enough to handle whatever fears they have head-on. They do this by constantly facing their fears until they no longer present a problem or threat. Sounds tough? Well, let’s look at what you’ve been through so far without facing your fears: nothing! This method has even more benefits than merely getting rid of fear itself because you also become stronger over time as well as gaining confidence in yourself which helps all kinds of other things including your professional life.

By using the techniques we’ve outlined in this blog post, you can start to ease your fears and take back control of your life. Each step will help you inch closer to conquering your fear and achieving whatever goals you have set for yourself. What are you waiting for? Start taking steps today!