Turning Fear into FUEL
We all have fears. Some of them are surface level and we can easily name them, but some fears are conditioned deep within the depths of our souls.
As I write this, I have to be honest. It can challenging for me to name and face my fears - just like it can be a challenge for you. Sometimes, to dodge the discomfort I avoid my fears instead of facing and conquering them.
This practice of avoidance is not helpful in the journey of growth. In fact it is detrimental and literally brings growth to a halt when we choose to avoid them.
A mindset tool is to reframe fear you feel as an opportunity to be brave and become something greater.
To transform your fear of failing, think about that fear the fuel that powers your greatness.
Take a moment to think of all the fears you have as boxes.
The fear of failing is a box.
The fear of heights is a box.
The fear of losing is a box.
The fear of being vulnerable is a box.
With every fear that exists within us, the box becomes a barricade to your abilities and success. That box limits your thinking, capabilities and potential.
Sometimes we are buried so deep behind the boxes that we make ourselves believe that hopelessness, despair, and discouragement is the only way to approach it. I don’t know about you, but I would rather live my life with courage, confidence, and vibrance!
Facing fears and working through to the other side is when we can truly feel our power.
Here is a method you can use to face and conquer your fears:
ACCEPT - fear is a part of life, we all experience it.
NAME - identify the fear to create space and awareness of it.
FEEL - it’s okay, even good, to feel afraid!
VISUALIZE -Imagine yourself approaching each “fear box” and karate chopping / roundhouse kicking / having total demolition of the box. Think to yourself, “This fear has no power over me!”
As you breakthrough the boxes, imagine yourself surrounded in a bright, white light and think “Fear sets me free.”
DO THE WORK - take the feelings of fear and let them be the springboard into your greatness.
PRACTICE - use these steps to use fear as fuel. Transform your fear into the courage!
Doing this kind of inner work can help reveal and propel you towards courage and confidence to live an authentic life.
Here is a mental performance tool (journaling) to reveal your deepest fears:
DO THIS - Journaling Practice
No stopping (if you get stuck, write out ‘what I really mean is….’ until you think of what to say).
Try not to edit or judge yourself.
Write freehand if possible - let thoughts flow from your brain to the paper.
Set a timer for 5 minutes and answer one or all of these questions.
What are my biggest fears?
What holds me back?
What barriers are keeping me from accomplishing what I truly want to do?
What would I attempt to do if you knew I couldn’t fail?
Are YOU willing to do the work?
