How do you break through fear?

By April 12, 2013October 28th, 2015Questions that Count

When I graduated from high school my uncle gave me a gift with the etched words: “What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?”

My success-focused, inner perfectionist immediately resonated with those words. If I cut failure out of the equation, what would I do? All types of possibilities instantly came to me…

Most people aren’t afraid of fear in itself. Fear is a huge part of the human experience, and it keeps us safe. People are afraid of the shame that comes with failure or rejection, of what it would mean for their life and relationships if they stepped out and made a big change, and perhaps most significantly fear of the…dun, dun, dun… unknown!

Even putting those 3 ideas in a sentence can be a paralyzing thought, keeping those that most want change in their lives stuck in a ‘safe’ but soul-crushing reality.

Boy jumping off a cliff

Of course, it would be difficult to talk about this subject if I had not experienced my version of all of these scenarios. Someone asked me last week,

“How do you break through fear?”  

  1. Trust your Inner Guidance: call it your heart, your soul, intuition, Jiminy Cricket, your gut, whatever works for you. This is the still, all-knowing voice that we all have within us but depending on our upbringings, beliefs, and backgrounds, may have chosen to ignore. That voice always knows. Find your own way to connect with it. 
  2. Face your Fear: Easier written than done. Fear can be unsettling. It’s why we don’t bring it up at dinner parties. Here’s how I face it. If there’s something I really want to create in my life, I ask myself one question: “Is fear the only thing holding me back?” If the answer is yes, I say to myself, “That’s not a good enough reason,” and I move forward.

Tomorrow I’m beginning another journey. I’m moving to Asheville to finish my book. Up until yesterday, I had a plane ticket and a place to stay for 2 nights. I trust my inner guidance, so even though my brain was freaking out, I knew that it would and will work out. My faith stems from many years of making the seemingly impossible a reality, but that began with a decision to commit to my dreams (and doing the necessary work to achieve them).

Do one thing everyday that scares you. -Eleanor Roosevelt

I wish I could tell you that fear goes away the more times you practice moving through it, but it doesn’t. What does shift is your comfort level and the ability to recognize fear, honor it, and get to your dreams faster!

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences! How do you break through fear? For another great post on moving through fear, check out Anne’s post: “What would you do if you had no fear?”

Join the discussion 11 Comments

  • Currie says:

    Funny. I’ve been thinking of starting my book again…. Anyway, congrats on this huge step. I know you are going to do very well. Do you have a place after the two nights?

    Blessings to you,
    Currie

    • Jacqueline says:

      Awesome Currie! What’s your book about? Thank you! I think it’s going to be an amazing opportunity! As of yesterday, I have some strong leads and lovely friends! 🙂

  • Agness says:

    Very inspiring post. I couldn’t agree with #2 that you need to face your fear. My way of facing it is to talk to my friends and ask them to help me overcome my fears. Always works!

    • Jacqueline says:

      Thank you Agness! I love that idea and your site–both are phenomenal! I’m going to start sharing my fears more with my friends. Thanks so much for visiting–look forward to your future words of wisdom! 🙂

  • Vacay Girl says:

    Sometimes you literally have to take a deep breath and dive in. I’ve always hated the term sink or swim but the older I get, it describes lots of life’s little scenarios. What I love most about facing fear is that moment when you look back and say, “Is that it? That wasn’t so hard after all.” Great post.

    • Jacqueline says:

      Couldn’t agree more! My uncle said to me as a 5-year-old when I was scared of going into the deep end: “What’s the matter? Ain’t no difference between the deep end and the shallow end. It’s just deeper!” I remember thinking, “oh yeah, he’s right.” And you’re right, being on the other side of fear often has us looking back, realizing it wasn’t that bad after all and gives us more confidence to go after our next dream and adventure! 🙂

  • C Ohara says:

    I like that quote by Eleanor Roosevelt.

    Feel the fear and do it anyway!

    I’ma try that today! 🙂

  • Great post! It’s a cliche but I think about how fragile and temporary life is and then I just go for it. I truly try to live life to the full and when fear comes along, I say to myself what is the worst that can happen.

    • Jacqueline says:

      Thanks Paul! I live by a very similar philosophy. I would rather fail than have regrets and wonder what would have happened if I’d only gone for it! Awesome comments–keep ‘me coming! 🙂

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