Overcome
Your Fears

If there is one thing that holds millions of people back each day from growing as an individual, achieving high levels of success and becoming the best version of themselves, it's plain old fear. Of course, fear can keep us from getting ourselves into a world of hurt, but more times than not, it's the fear of a little pain or discomfort that keeps us from striving for more in life, leaving us with regret and doubt instead of the thrill of accomplishment and success. But fear was made to be conquered. A few quick adjustments to how to tackle life will set you on the path to bravery.

If there is one thing that holds millions of people back each day from growing as an individual, achieving high levels of success and becoming the best version of themselves, it's plain old fear. Of course, fear can keep us from getting ourselves into a world of hurt, but more times than not, it's the fear of a little pain or discomfort that keeps us from striving for more in life, leaving us with regret and doubt instead of the thrill of accomplishment and success. But fear was made to be conquered. A few quick adjustments to how to tackle life will set you on the path to bravery.

Change Your Perspective

When you're scared, ask yourself what you're really afraid of. When met with a nerve-wracking challenge, don't focus on all the negative possibilities, view the challenge as an opportunity and an adventure. One that will take you out of your comfort zone. One that will help you become a better, stronger person. After all, can there be growth without some work and at the very least, a little uncomfortableness? Because if you skip an opportunity simply becuase you're too afraid to try, you'll never get that moment back. And when you don't confront those fears, you subconsciously send a message to yourself that you are, in fact, cowardly and unworthy, which only helps reinforce those original fears.

Knowledge is Power

Nothing kills fear faster than logic and reason. It's like turning on the lights of a haunted house. When you're scared of something, ask yourself: "If I do this, what's the worst that can happen?" If you ask for the promotion and don't get it. If you ask someone out and they say no. Other than the slight sting of rejection, you're no worse off than you were before. And often, the reality isn't ever as bad as you imagined it would be. "All the people I know who have been bitten by sharks are less afraid of sharks now—every one of them," big-wave surfer Laird Hamilton told Men's Journal. "I think they imagined being attacked by a shark would be so much worse than it actually was." The lesson? Of course, you'll fail. But if you can endure the punishment when you get in over your head, you'll benefit and be able to apply the experience to other situations.

Faking It Actually Works

Succumbing to your insecurities will only make them stronger. So much so that even the slightest trepidation can grow into a debilitating panic. Here's some good news: Faking confidence and bravery will go a long way. Assuming the posture of someone who's not intimidated allows you put your mind in the space to move forward and try whatever you're scared of. It worked for Teddy Roosevelt, regarded by many as one of America's most badass presidents. "There were all kinds of things of which I was afraid of at first, ranging from grizzly bears to "mean" horses and gun-fighters," he said. "But by acting as if I was not afraid I gradually ceased to be afraid."