“If you want something you’ve never had, you must do something you’ve never done.”
Millions of years ago, fear was how our body warned us that we were outside our comfort zone. It was an alarm proofing imminent danger, giving our body the adrenaline rush needed to run away. This reaction was extremely useful at the time when tigers were hunting us, but today the threats we face when we feel the fear rarely put our lives at risk.
Today, fear is often a signal urging us to stay vigilant and cautious. However, we’ve reached a point where more and more often we are creating our own fears.
The good news is that we have also the power to face and overcome them. The first step is recognizing that many of our fears are amplified in our minds, that we are allowing them to grow larger than what they really are. Because the only way to find out if you can do something is to actually go out and do it…
Who has never faced a fear that, in his/her minds seemed insurmountable, only to discover that reality was far less frightening?
In my journey, I’ve learned a few methods that have helped me overcome fears, both big and small, that were limiting my personal and professional growth.
One approach I find particularly helpful is to ask myself what exactly I’m imagining to be so terrifying and then replace that image with its positive opposite. This simple mental exercise helps me put fear into perspective and view the situation more objectively.
When fear feels so overwhelming that it almost paralyzes me, instead of trying to confront it all at once, I aim to gradually reduce the risk. I start with the smaller and more familiar challenges that help me build confidence as I move on. Once I get past the initial irrational “panic,” I move into a more rational and analytical phase. I know I need to take action, so I “unpack” the fear by starting with the step that feels most manageable and easy, step by step.
It takes time, but the key is to take that first step, knowing that no one else will do it for you. To this extend, a phrase that has deeply influenced me is:
“If you want something you’ve never had, you must do something you’ve never done.”
It’s a bit like learning a new sport when you start from the simple and basic level simplest levels; or like when new responsibilities at work make you anxious: it’s better to begin with small tasks within a project that interests you, gradually developing the skills you need to overcome fears and tackle bigger challenges.
Over the years, I’ve realized that situations that caused me fear often happened for a reason that wasn’t clear at the time. Sometimes, the Universe had plans different from my own, and the key was to remain aware, hold on, and try to uncover the hidden meaning behind each challenge. Now, I tend to ask myself: “What opportunity is hidden in all this for me?”
It’s a slow journey, never immediate, and that often requires the support of a specialist—someone who helps maintain the discipline needed to dedicate myself to moments of self-reflection and to increase my self-awareness. These sessions become even more crucial during delicate moments of potential rebirth.
Every time I’ve faced a fear and managed to move forward anyway (because yes, you can—you know it deep down!), I’ve gained more confidence in my abilities.
Would you like to share how you overcame an obstacle that initially seemed insurmountable or faced a fear?
Your story could help inspire as many people as possible to embrace change! If you’d like, share it in the comments below.
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