Don't be afraid.

How often are you afraid? How can you deal with this paralyzing, incapacitating emotion?

As people get older, we tend to compare ourselves in regarding our past from our present situation. What bothers us now are the negative things that are still happening in our lives despite us trying our best to change them. It seems there is no amount of effort that can make the wrong things in our life… right.

This lack of stability and predictability in our lives makes us anxious about what will happen in the future. This anxiety leads to disturbing, troubling, negative thoughts that impair psychological and emotional growth. A famous psychologist claims that fear is the human personality's most corrosive enemy, and another prominent physician has declared that worry is the most subtle and destructive of all human diseases.

In light of these concerns, I started researching what we can do to overcome this all too common human condition. Identifying these solutions as a reminder during difficult times of fear will help you reach your full potential and not be afraid of anything facing you in life. It is my desire to share these coping skills with everyone who is struggling with this situation. This is something that needs to be taken seriously because not everyone struggles in the same way or has the strength to endure as much as another can given their context and situation.

Despite it being difficult to employ these strategies listed below in the midst of our fears and struggles, it is so important to apply these questions and life skills when we feel threatened or afraid. As we grow in the security, independence, and motivation to live in the freedom that is provided by living our lives without fear, it becomes a self-motivating and self fulfilling practice.

Here are some powerful insights from renowned Canadian psychologist Dr. Jordan B. Peterson on overcoming fear.

1."What is causing you negative energy? - Identify and remove the parts of your life that are dragging you down. What places, activities and people in your life no longer bring you joy?"

In light of this, we should sort out the things that are wrong with our life situation. What is dragging us down, depressing us, and causing anxiety? Just identifying the problem is a huge step towards finding a solution. Just like a doctor treating a disease, you can’t address and fix what you don’t know or can’t identify. This tiny piece of information couldn't be more helpful as a first step in addressing fear.

Labeling and self-identifying problem areas are powerful, because all change starts with our mind, and our body reacts and follows how our mind leads.

Focus on some form of positive energy that motivates you every day. One of the best examples is spending time doing exercise, which boosts your energy and helps your mind be more focused and purposeful throughout the day.

 Make yourself available to the encouragement of others. 

The power of others’ words will encourage you, as you listen to their motivating truths that will inspire you and make you feel worthwhile. Everyone is important and valuable, no matter who they are or what they’re going through. Encouragement and positive affirmation is essential to personal development and growth.

2) “What is planned will be done! - Make a list of the top three things you want to accomplish in the coming day, week, and month. Set them as appointments on your calendar and show them just like you would an appointment with someone else.

This is a lot like how we manage our time with what's necessary or unnecessary. Prioritizing your daily needs and tasks helps to eliminate unnecessary stress and anxiety. Make a to-do list where you can list all the things you need. Don't waste time worrying about activities that are out of reach.

Some may keep a journal or calendar of activities and write down their appointments to remind them what to do each day.

Planning ahead for contingencies or important events are great ideas before your important event arrives. Without a plan, you will be diverted by unnecessary things. You know what the best plan is.

3. “What is your purpose in life? – What is the most compelling, strongest reason that will motivate you to achieve your goals, not only in good times but also in bad? Create a clear vision of where you want to go. Find out and take the time to work on what you were born to do. If you were to die, what would you be remembered for?”

How satisfied are you with each dimension of life?

-Health

-Learning

-Family

-Work

-Romance

-Spirituality

-Friendships

-Community

-Volunteering/Hobbies

Finances

What is your life worth, given the investment you make and the return you get from all you contribute to your own hard work and success? How do you find your purpose? Do you fall into the thinking trap?

John Busacker's book states: "Leading a fully committed business begins with a multi-coordinated focus on one's worth of life.” This is a powerful realization that:

-Relationships are more important than anything else.

-Health determines your quality of life.

-Work gives your talent a voice.

-Hobbies consume your energy beyond work.

-Learning stimulates your imagination.

-Faith gives meaning to your whole life.

4. Self-love is your superpower – Arm yourself with positive self-talk. Practice simple affirmations every day that empower you, build your confidence, and elevate you to your best self.

Love yourself for who you are by giving yourself positive affirmations. Believe and trust in your abilities.

As confirmed in Philippians 4:13

"I can do anything that strengthens me through Christ."

5. Be Brave, Aim High, Dream Big - If you shoot for the moon, you'll still land among the stars even if you miss. Dare to challenge yourself. Stepping out of your comfort zone will lead to growth and development.

Always challenge yourself, even if it's far beyond what you think you’re capable of achieving.

You'll have to take some risks before you find out. Inspire and surprise yourself by having an optimistic attitude.

Introducing an influx of new thoughts can reshape you. As William James said, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that people can change their lives by changing their mindset.

This is the key to reshaping your life without fear.