3 Healthy Strategies to Face Your Fears

When was the last time you faced your fear head-on? I’ll share my most recent experience. Back in April, after months of trying to summon the courage, I finally mustered the nerve to make my blog public. Even though I created the blog for precisely that purpose, the idea of people reading my written work had always made me incredibly anxious.

In fact, just the thought of posting about it on Instagram had me squirming in my seat for a good 15 minutes. But I pushed through, hit that share button, and to my surprise, the response was overwhelmingly positive. The feedback from those who read it filled me with relief and a deep sense of satisfaction, making the fear I had felt seem so unnecessary.

Why you need to face your fears

Fear is an obstacle that keeps us from exploring our passions, forming new connections, and striving for our goals. It has a way of keeping us stuck and unstimulated, preventing growth. The irony is that the negative scenarios we fear mostly exist within our own minds. Our anxieties outweigh the reality of the situation. So, if you find yourself grappling with a fear as you read this, here are three essential points to remember:

1. Fake it till you make it

This is a concept I’m currently embracing myself. If you ever find yourself hesitating to tackle something that feels overwhelming, put on a cloak of unwavering confidence to conceal your inner fear. Act in a way that contradicts how you feel. Anxious about an upcoming interview? Treat it as though you’ve already secured the job. Nervous about a first date? Act as if you’re simply catching up with a friend. Over time, maintaining such a mindset can lead to it becoming a natural part of your subconscious, shaping your behaviour and responses in a more self-assured manner.

2. People aren’t paying attention

If you’re someone who tends to let the opinions of others sway your choices, ask yourself a simple question: ‘Will this still matter in a year, five years, or ten years?’ If the honest answer is no, then go ahead with your decision. Many of us fall into the trap of thinking the world revolves around us, that every step we take is under a magnifying glass. But the truth is, it’s not. People are too occupied with their own lives to obsess over yours. And even if they do take notice, remember, it’s not their life to lead. So, don’t let the fear of hypothetical judgment keep you from pursuing your desires.

3. Live a life of “Oh wells”

The fear of failure can often be the greatest roadblock in our lives. We want everything to unfold according to our vision but the truth is, that’s not always the way things go. A few years back, I came across a saying that resonated deeply: “I’d rather live a life of ‘Oh wells’ than ‘What ifs.'”

Consider this: if you’re contemplating a career change, five years from now, would you rather be saying, “I made the switch, and it didn’t pan out. Oh well, at least I gave it a shot,” or would you prefer the alternative, “What if I had changed careers? It was always my dream, but now it’s too late.”

I think this is a powerful mantra to adopt. Life is brief, and moments are fleeting. It’s wiser to live with the satisfaction of having pursued your passions and ambitions than to be haunted by regrets in the long run. This mindset pushed me to publicly share my blog content, spurred me to go skydiving, and encouraged me to relocate to a new country. I understand that it may not always be practical to face your fears by taking big risks, but when the opportunity arises, I urge you to seize it with both hands and make the most of it.

What helps you face your fears? Let me know in the comments!