Discover 7 proven strategies to overcome fear and anxiety. Learn how to manage your fears and live a happier, more fulfilling life.
Do you fear about the future? Because I do, and I cannot sleep some days. I have a job and a loving family, but every now and then, something creeps out of my mind and disturbs my day. I know many people feel this way, and we live with it. I have read many books on how to be optimistic and how not to be afraid, but those books all give the reasons why we feel afraid (mostly because of comparison, work environment, etc.) but very few actually give ways to avoid this fear and live your life.
As a man who was afraid all his life, I can tell you it is possible to live without fear:
- Take care of your body – meditate, exercise, or play a sport. Anything, but be active, and 80% of your thoughts that frighten you will disappear. (I started MMA because I wanted to feel strong.)
- Most of my fear was about my job – so if it’s the same for you, try changing your job (easier said than done). If you can’t, take some efforts to make some changes in your current job – ask for help from a friend or colleague with your work, take a few trainings to do your job better. (I took trainings and moved to another department with another job.)
- Be aware – The first thing I learned about my fear was that I was letting those thoughts wander without any control inside my head. I started being aware of these thoughts – so when I felt like I’m spinning down the hole with fear, I consciously made an effort to think of something else, like what I am thankful for.
- Most of my fear was about my family’s financial situation – so I started saving whatever I could. Even if it’s 1000 bucks, I saved it, and knowing I have some money for my family’s emergency situation gave me a lot of peace.
- I also feared what others think about me – (I still fear it, and I’m working on it). The only advice I can give here is that everybody has their lives to think about, and no one is actually thinking about us. So let’s try not to think about how others see us and start living a little.
- Have a goal. It can be anything from writing a page to getting a promotion, reducing weight, running a bit farther, etc. Having a goal fills that void or emptiness inside us, which is usually filled by fear of not achieving.
- Avoid shitty books and shows – The more you consume shit, the more it takes place in your thoughts. Read or watch good books or shows that calm you, give you a new perspective, or provide the information you need to improve your life.
Remember, everyone is afraid of something. But it’s how we face those fears that sets us apart. Few people are better at handling their fears and living a full life. The truth is, the only person who can help you overcome your fear is you. So, be that person.
