Sweaty palms, racing heart, and jittery nerves are symptoms of acute fear, usually known as panic attacks. But there are also subtler forms of fear that masquerade as procrastination, avoidance and resistance. The individual, who puts off taking the next step toward a desired goal, avoids making an important telephone call, or struggles with the same issue over and over again, may be coming up against hidden fears.
Whether dealing with acute or hidden fears, it takes courage to face them, to recognize the fears are perceived and to ultimately release those fears.
How to Overcome Fear with Courage
Courage involves being brave enough to step into unknown territory, daring enough to take a risk, and having enough nerve to go for what you want in life. Try these steps as a way to overcome fear with courage.
- Identify the fear. The first step with any type of fear is to identify it. What is the fear really about? Is there any imminent danger or is it just a possibility? Naming fears helps to put them in perspective.
- The acronym for fear is "False Evidence Appearing Real." Fear is often an illusion, with the threat somewhere in the distant future. Examine the fear to see if it is real or imagined. If it is real, take appropriate action. If it is unreal, focus on something more productive.
- When fear looms larger than a person, they have given their power over to the fear. Be bigger than the fear – remember it is not real so it has no power over you. See yourself as big and resourceful while viewing the fear as small and fleeting like a speck of dust.
- Be courageous and face fears head on. Do the very thing you are afraid to do – as long as it is not dangerous or life threatening. Fear is just a feeling, so feel it and do the activity anyway. Over time, confidence will replace fear and you will be fearless.
How to Let Go of Hidden Fears
Underlying procrastination and most worries are hidden fears - those nagging little concerns about success, failure, abandonment and rejection. Let go of these and you will be fearless and free.
- Identify the hidden fear. With each fear, worry or concern, look underneath to see what the worst fear is. If a project fails, what is the worst that will happen? And if that happens, what is the fear underneath that?
- What is the bottom line? If a failed project means being fired, which means no income, which means living on the street, is that you're biggest fear? Would you really allow that to happen? Each person has a bottom line that they usually won't cross. Recognize your resiliency around dealing with challenging situations and trust you will access this if needed.
- Release false beliefs. As you examine the hidden fears, also notice the false and limiting beliefs surrounding these fears. Be willing to release them and take on more truthful, supportive beliefs.
- What you focus on grows. Focused attention tends to magnify what is being viewed, so focus on what you want instead of what you don't want. Notice the positive aspects instead of the negative to release fears.
- Be in the present moment. Often fears are imagined future events. Notice if things are okay right in the moment and, if so, pay attention to that. Focus on everything that is going well and there will be no room for fear.
As you identify and face each fear with courage, they will diminish in power. And as you let go of hidden fears, a reservoir of creative power will be unleashed to handle all situations with ease and confidence.
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