A new year. A new decade. In just a few short weeks (over-stuffed ones, at that) we will be closing the books on 2019 and flipping the calendar page to January 2020. How do we cope with such a momentous event? Whether we celebrate the actual turn of the earth that day with friends or alone, with a wild drunken party or going to bed at the usual time, ball drop or no ball drop, the new year will arrive. It may bring with it change and uncertainty. Uncertainty can create fear. How can we release the fear and embrace the changes that come with anything new?
It might not seem like it, but deep down everyone has fears. Some are rational, and others less so. To make progress in our lives, we need to confront our fears and be open to what each new time period has to offer. We have to identify and work through issues that are holding us back. Whether real or invented, large or small, these barriers have a very real effect and can keep us from realizing our potential and enjoying life fully, fulfilled and free.
Here are 4 tips for overcoming your fears so you can embrace the new and achieve your goals.
1. Take one step at a time
No matter what your fears are, from public speaking to mountain climbing, you don’t have to do it all in one go. Work out what you want to achieve and take baby steps. Each small success will increase your confidence and reduce feelings of fear.
2. You don’t have to do it alone
You don’t have to suppress your fears or overcome them by yourself. Seek out a supportive network of family, friends, or colleagues to listen to your struggles and cheer you on. If you don’t know anyone who can help, consider getting professional advice from a coach or mentor, or looking for a local or online group.
If you have anxiety issues that seem overwhelming, get professional help. Be kind to yourself and get whatever support you need.
3. Focus on the positive
A positive mindset will go a long way to help dispel fears and worries. A spiral of negativity makes things worse, increasing your feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
Look around you and actively identify what’s going right in your life. Change your mindset and expectations to focus on gratitude and success. Half the battle is learning to accept that you deserve success, you deserve to win if you put the time and effort in. You can focus your energy on getting there.
4. Take control of your story
Rewriting your internal story can help you power through your fears. In what ways are you the hero of your own personal story? If you identify yourself as a competent, successful person, the inner voice of self-doubt and negative self-talk is easier to ignore.
Rewrite your story. From now on, you are brave, confident and successful. Write down all the positive traits that you already possess and ones that you are looking to strengthen. When negative voices from the past haunt your thoughts, remember that you are stronger than they are. You have many good attributes, skills, and strengths. They outweigh your weaknesses. You can channel them to achieve your goals in the new year.
Embrace the changes, the opportunities, the chance for a fresh start that this new year brings! You are in control of how you respond to the fears and uncertainties that come your way.
