How to Move Past Illogical Fears
Fear is an interesting phenomenon, as it can work both in and against our favor. Oftentimes, our fear instigates our fight or flight response system which can ultimately save our lives. On the flip side, fear can also keep us from reaching our full potential. Overcoming fear, however, may be one of the very strongest capabilities that we as humans possess. We are able to push aside the very loud voice in our head that is yelling for us to retreat into our safe place, and forge onward, potentially gaining the respect of others and of ourselves. It's pretty cool. So, with that in mind, here are a few common fears that we all usually possess at one point or another, and why it's important for us to overcome them:
#1: The fear of not meeting expectations.
At some point or another, I'm sure that we've all had moments of not feeling good enough. Perhaps we didn't apply for that dream job under the assumption that there was somebody out there who was better qualified. What's the point, we probably asked ourselves. It's no secret that we are oftentimes our own biggest critics. We are much more likely to point out our flaws than our best qualities, and that's a tendency that we have to really work at in order to change. Author Carolyn Rubenstein says of this, "As individuals, we have the incredible power to decide that we are, in fact, good enough. You are the person who owns the sole key to your self-worth, which governs what you do. In order to achieve the feeling of being good enough, you must first believe it."
#2: The fear of loneliness.
Some people are more apt than others to really appreciate their time spent alone. I am definitely one of those people. I relish in the opportunity to sit quietly with my own thoughts and to not feel pressured to carry on a conversation at all times. However, others are more likely to crave the company of other people. They feel a sense of abandonment when they are left to their own devices and, oftentimes, silence only serves to make them anxious. If this sounds familiar, then you should attempt to view your time alone differently. Start by making a list of all of the things that you can accomplish when there isn't anyone vying for your attention- you can empty your email inbox, you can write those thank-you notes, or you can catch up on that stack of unread books.
#3: The fear of missing something important.
In this age of technology that we all currently reside in simultaneously, it's difficult to not feel as though we have to be constantly plugged in in order to stay up-to-date. Social media has made it possible for us to always feel as if we are "in the know". However, the not-so-great effect of that constant involvement and interaction is the panicky, out-of-control feeling we get when we are unplugged. Try allowing yourself a couple of uninterrupted hours each day when you can unplug and enjoy your current surroundings.