Action Over Fear

Last week, I shared the powerful 5 Second Rule, which helps you take action towards reaching your goals before your brain has a chance to sabotage your efforts. Action that propels you forward is often new and uncomfortable, therefore your brain wants to protect you. What is at the heart of discomfort?  Fear.

Maybe it’s time we look at fear in a new light.  Understandably, fear has a bad wrap; however, at its core, fear is meant to protect us since it controls our flight or fight response.  Problems arise when fear takes over and becomes all-consuming, preventing us from doing what we really want to accomplish.  

The acronym for fear, False Evidence Appearing Real, is often used to show how our fears are unwarranted.  It seems logical then that in order to overcome our fears we must ignore them and “do it anyway.” But, that is easier said than done, especially since our subconscious is a major player when it comes to our actions. If we are feeling fear, that is stemming from something deep inside of us. 

So, how can we use fear for good?  We need to look at how we can honor all of our emotions.  If we practice mindfulness and take a look at our emotions, especially fear, we can sit without judgement to peel back the layers and get to the heart of what we are truly feeling.  We need to put our fears on trial rather than trying to shove them away.  

You can learn more about overcoming fear on Episode 49 of the podcast with my guest Christina Ammerman. She says, “Fighting fear doesn’t mean denying the reality you’re facing.” Yes!!! 

This post is written in partnership with #HerGrowthCollective. We empower growth by bringing a diversity of perspectives to key self-development topics. Our mission: To support women through supporting each other.