How to Friend Fear

Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Henri of Wake Up Cloud.

We all have our fears. The problem with how we look at fears today is that it keeps us from taking action and creating the life we really want. Fear isn’t dangerous, unless you make it so. The fear of fear is scarier than the actual fear.

This applies to almost everything we procrastinate on or put off. One good example of this is starting something, such as writing for bloggers. I had the same problem when I was a poker player. Starting to play (or work) was the hardest, but once I got started it was easy.

When I started my blog, I realized that purpose and passion are huge boosters when it comes to getting things done. I am no longer just taking action so I can make more money. I am writing content and spreading the word about my blog, so I can help in any way possible.

Feeling bad and procrastinating isn’t always a bad sign. If you’re doing something you hate, it’s a clear signal from your body, mind and soul telling you to stop torturing yourself. But what if you’re already on your path and are still sweating the small stuff? Here are a few suggestions:

5 Tips on Friending Fear

1. Acknowledge. Know that fear has made contact. Without resisting or trying to push it away, just let it be there and ask the fear what it wants. What is it trying to tell you this time? Is it trying to point out a belief that you don’t need?

2. Play. Make it into a game. See how many times you’re afraid and do those things anyway. I suggest you use caution with this one. Just because you are afraid of jumping off that building doesn’t mean you have to do it. Use this in things such as procrastinating when you want to get something done.

3. Tools. Letting go of fear is easier than ever before with tools such as the Sedona Method, Emotional Freedom Techniques and even Neuro-Linguistic Programming. These tools bring awareness to the problem and help you let go of the fear. If you’re not familiar with them, I highly recommend you at least try them out.

4. Form an Alliance. If you’re more of the kind of person who likes to just do things, then forming an alliance with your fear is the way to go. Who says we can’t do things when we’re afraid? If you’re afraid of doing something, just see fear as your friend that’s there to support you. It might feel uncomfortable but it’s going to work itself out if you take action.

5. Breathe. If you just feel like releasing stress and calming down, breathing is excellent. Focus entirely on your breath, going in and out. Let your breathing be natural without altering it. This will ground you and bring you back to the present.

My Experiences with Fear

I’m still a very young dude, but during my life I feel like I’ve learnt a lot about fear. I’m still afraid in many aspects but I’m moving ahead at a rapid pace. One of the reasons for it is because I’m more open to change now.

There are a lot of things I’m afraid of that I will be doing in the coming year, such as putting up videos on my blog, producing premium content and making new friends in a new country (I moved to Spain).

I accept the fact that fear will always play a part in my life. It’s just a sign that I am growing and constantly pushing myself to become more of who I already am. I have a lot of areas in my life that need improvement, but that’s okay. I no longer feel the need to rush these things.

I allow them to be what they are and improve them when I feel the time is right. It is a much simpler life when you relax and know that things are okay, even if your mind disagrees.

Photo courtesy of: Toni Blay