5 top tips on how to overcome “The Fear Factor”

Fear can be paralysing. It can contribute to avoiding opportunities or changes we'd otherwise like to explore.

For example, you want to change careers, but you are scared that because you have no experience people won’t take you seriously, so you decide that the easiest option is to just remain in your current job and effectively stay in your comfort zone.

Our bodies have evolved to keep us safe. Upon feelings of fear, our bodies react and will do everything they can so that you remain in a safe place.

How would it feel if you could feel the fear and do it anyway and start taking action steps in the direction of your dreams? Read the top five tips detailed below and put these into practice to start making progress in your life.

1) Write down your 'what if' questions

What if your worst fear came true? Take some time to write out all your fears. Then the next stage is to think about what you would do if your fear came true.

When you are in a logical and rational state of mind you can make a plan with the exact steps or path that you would follow and prepare for each scenario.

My sister walked the length of the Appalachian Trail in 100 days in 2017 (approx. 1900 miles), before she embarked on her challenge, she wrote out her “what if” list. Some examples included; What if I see a bear? What if I get bored and want to quit?

You can do this in any area of your life where you are fearful of change. I work with ladies who are looking for a career change and this is one of the exercises I get them to complete. Asking themselves questions such as; what if I don’t make enough money or what if I don’t like my new career?

When you write out your biggest concerns and then spend time thinking about what you would actually do when you are in a rational state of mind, you may feel more prepared.

2) Create a realistic action plan

Be as prepared as possible, this means doing everything that you can do to prepare for the change ahead. Create your action plan for success. Write out the exact steps you need to take to be successful. Be as detailed as possible, ensure you have specific goals and deadlines. Write out the resources, support and information you will need.

There is a great quote from Benjamin Franklin, “Failing to plan is planning to fail”. You have to plan for your success, then you are giving yourself the best chance possible to succeed.

3) Find someone who can support you

Finding someone who has been successful at what you want to do, or has taken a similar path. We, as human beings, love to have evidence to show us that we can achieve what we want.

When you surround yourself with like-minded people, then you believe that it is possible for you as well. Find someone to look up to follow their example. The support you seek could include a mentor, coach, colleague, professional network or someone with relevant experience - whatever you feel can best answer your questions, or support you along your journey. 

4) Visualise yourself taking action

The mind does not know the difference between when you are doing something in real life or when you are just visualising doing something. Therefore, visualise and focus on your success, imagine you are already where you want to be. This is what professional golfers do before they take their shot, they visualise in their mind the exact actions that they are going to take and then they do it in real life.

5) Take one manageable step forward

Don’t have regrets at the end of your life - if there is something you want to do, and you still can, I'd encourage you to take the steps to make it happen.

Face whatever you are scared of most, and quite often you will find that what you were worried about never comes true - and you might even enjoy it.

Nothing changes if nothing changes. Life is not about living in your comfort zone and taking no risks. It is time for you to face your fears, who knows what path could lie on the other side of your fears. After all, fulfilment can be found outside of your comfort zone.

If you are someone who knows what they want but repeatedly finds that fear, or lack of confidence, prevents you from moving forward, you may find coaching useful. A coach can help you to discover the root of what you're worried about, what is within your control and what a realistic next step might look like for you.