Fear is a common experience that manifests in many forms: fear of heights, bugs, large crowds, or unfamiliar places. This range is limitless and unique to each individual. However, fear can often impede how you want to live your life.

For example, I love being outdoors and engaging in activities like hiking and canoeing. But for those afraid of heights, this fear can significantly limit their enjoyment of nature, causing them to miss out on beloved activities. We often grow up thinking that the things we are afraid of are things to be avoided. What if that's not the best way to approach fear, especially if you want to overcome it?

The Nature of Fear

Fear's Unexpected Ways

Fear can appear in various and unexpected forms, sometimes without you even knowing it, like an uninvited guest. It can keep you stuck, preventing you from completing tasks and leading to frustration. Fear can also be hidden, like a fear of rejection or criticism, which takes time to uncover due to the layers of factors and experiences masking it.

For instance, fear of spiders can cause an immediate and intense emotional reaction, distracting from the actual trigger. This emotional response can prevent you from addressing the root cause of your fear.

Fear Is Learned

Fear is not innate; it is learned, often from those around us, particularly authority figures. For example, I had a long-standing fear of heights without knowing why. When people asked me about it, I had no clear answer until I realized I learned it from my mother. Once I understood this, I was able to let it go.

The Complexity of Fear

Fear is complicated because it manifests in subtle ways. For instance, fear of criticism can prevent someone from expressing their true self, hinder an entrepreneur from showcasing their talents, or cause someone to avoid risks. These fears can keep people from reaching their full potential.

Overcoming Fear

Awareness and Action

Your fears do not have to control you. You can take charge of them. The first step is awareness—recognizing the fear is the beginning of overcoming it.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine what fears you have that may be holding you back:

What are things you hate and avoid doing?

What are things that give you anxiety?

What are some topics that you are uncomfortable discussing?

Is there a dream or a passion you’d like to accomplish but you have stopped yourself from pursuing it?

What are some physical ways your fears might present themselves (for example: trouble breathing, feelings of irritability, rapid heartrate)?

Questioning and Challenging Fear

Once aware, question and challenge your fear. Investigate why you feel this way and confront those thoughts. Ask yourself when you first noticed this fear and consider if you learned it from someone close to you. Understanding that it is not inherently yours can help you release it.

Seeking the Truth

Examine the truth behind your fear. Often, fear is simply false evidence appearing real. Recognize that you have the power to handle situations without fear. By bringing your power and understanding to the forefront, you can diminish the influence of fear.

Final Thoughts

If you aim to change or improve something in your life or work, consider how fear may be impeding your progress. Remember, fear can be subtle and not always obvious, requiring a deeper look. But there is always something you can do about it, and that is the key takeaway.

Maureen Considine is Founder and CEO of Finding Your Way Coaching. A Master Coach with expertise in Income Acceleration, Business Development, Sales and Mindset, Health and Healing, she is the Wealth Health Creation Strategist for entrepreneurs, executives, and other high performers. Maureen has over 25 years of experience in sales and marketing. She has helped hundreds of clients grow their businesses and reach their true potential using her unique, intuitive, and holistic approach. Maureen has a B.A. in Psychology, with training in mindset and the Psychology of Sales.