Strategies to overcome the fear of the unknown

I believe that we only have one legitimate fear – The fear of the unknown. As women, I believe 2022 is the time to embrace the unfamiliar. Learning how to overcome fear is one of the most liberating pursuits one can undertake.

It’s easy to pretend fear isn’t influencing you and to make excuses as to why you haven’t achieved what you’re capable of. Instead of turning around and hiding from it, treat fear as a cue to take action, not an excuse.

To overcome your fear of the unknown is a very personal journey and that journey never really ends. However if you want to break free then here are 8 strategies that will help you on your personal journey of transformation.

1. Understand your fear

Fear is not unique to you. Fear is part of our human DNA and so it is not unusual for you to feel fear when you are stepping out into the unknown. Some people are afraid of new ideas. If something is new, they reject it immediately because it’s frightening to them. Our brain is hardwired to prefer negative consequences to uncertain outcomes.

2. Find the cause of your fear

There is fear that will protect you and heighten your senses to threatening situations. This is a good fear to listen to. Then there is the fear that paralyzes you and stops you from living life to the fullest. This is the fear that you need to understand why it exists within you. Next time you feel fearful, try something new: Do nothing. Sit with your fear for a few minutes. Think about it. What is the root cause? What is the story you tell yourself about why you can’t overcome this fear?

3. Question your fear

We all know that our fears are not based on reality. The fear of the unknown is based on our perception of what might happen in the future. An important part of questioning your fear is to ask positive empowering questions.

4. Failure as a part of success

Everyone fails. Yes, absolutely everyone! What’s the number one fear people have when it comes to accomplishing their goals? That they’ll fail. If you accept from the onset that failure is an inevitable part of success, you’ll be less afraid of it. If you cannot accept that the possibility of failure is an option, then your fear of the unknown will convince you to stay put in your comfort zone.

5. Become kin with the unfamiliar

The truth is, the unknown is what it is. Anything we try in life that takes us out of our comfort zone comes with feelings of uncertainty, disruption and worry. This is guaranteed and you will not be able to avoid the discomfort of change in your life.

6. Embrace the change

The one thing that is a constant in our lives is change. We live in a world of constant and at times disruptive change. The more you open up to the concept of change, the more resilient and courageous you will become. Accept that you cannot avoid the effect of change in your life. Also accept that change is not to be feared by you.

7. Embrace a growth mindset

The good news is; if fear is a response to the thought of peril (whether real or imagined, good or bad), then it is not something that happens to us but rather something that happens within us, and is therefore entirely under our control, even when the situations creating it is not. People who are truly focused on overcoming fear and achieving their dreams surround themselves with others who have the same mindset. These are people who you not only look up to, but who will push you to achieve your goals.

8. Visualize your goals

Goal visualization allows you to dress rehearse achieving your goal instead of dress rehearsing failure. To live your dreams and embrace life, you have to be fearless and willing to step into the unknown. There is no other way to live your life to its fullest potential.

The 8 strategies are tools that you can use to help you overcome your fear of the unknown and become the courageous person you were born to be. Life begins where fear ends. Go live your life!

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