As we embark on a new year, fear and doubt will visit us regularly as we try to stick to our resolutions and work hard to achieve our goals. Once you venture out of your comfort zones, negative thoughts will rise to the surface and try to seduce you into doing nothing. Fear of failure, fear of success or fear of the unknown will hold you back and thoughts like “I’m going to mess everything up” or “I’m in way over my head” will only fuel your fears and doubts.
“The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” – Nelson Mandela.
Here are 5 Helpful Tips to help you overcome fear and doubt:
- Don’t make excuses. We regularly use excuses, and call them “reasons,” to stop ourselves from moving forward. Fear will automatically be a part of the equation when you step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Remind yourself that very few people are good at anything when they try it the first time. As you master a new skill you’ll gain experience, build confidence and fear will diminish.
- Break down your fear. Look at the facts and find the truth behind your fear and doubt. What will really happen if you do make a mistake? Even if things go terribly wrong, it’s unlikely to be truly life altering.
- Tap into your resources. Everyone needs a little help sometimes. Books and tapes are easily accessible and like-minded individuals can provide a positive influence. Someone who’s already successful at doing what you want to do can also help motivate you to reach your goals.
- Nothing happens without action. Often the fear of doing something is much worse than actually doing it. Some degree of fear will always be present, so stretch yourself and keep moving forward toward your goals. Know that others have been in your same shoes at some point, and pushed ahead. You are not alone but you’ve got to take action.
- Forgive yourself. It is often harder to forgive ourselves than to forgive others and we tend to dwell on the times we’ve failed or caused someone harm. Give yourself permission to try new things and remember to reward yourself even for the small achievements.
Life can get overwhelming, but it’s your job to mitigate the obstacles thrown your way. Because of fear and doubt, many of us never follow our dreams, never do the things we want to do, and never venture far from where we are right now. At other times we play the victim and hold ourselves back from a life of betterment. Rather than making fear an obstacle, we must learn to work through it to accomplish our goals and make our dreams come true this year.
Have a happy, healthy, successful and prosperous New Year.
“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” – Dale Carnegie
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To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
Helping you thrive, not just survive!!
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