5 STEPS TO CONQUER FEAR & ANXIETY TO GET WHAT YOU WANT
What are your fears? Is it going for that new job promotion? Entering the dating world? Making a career change? Do you feel like fear is holding you back from your full potential? You are not alone. If you are faced with an upcoming change or something completely new in your life chances are that you are experiencing anxiety about what the future will hold. As a therapist and counselor I have many clients that hate change and dread having to deal with it. It is perfectly normal to experience fear and anxiety when you are confronted with changes in your life. You need to remind yourself that change is a part of the journey of life and that the only way to grow and learn is to experience new things. Acknowledge that fear will be part of the journey but know that can manage it and be successful.
As a therapist and counselor I am constantly trying to help my clients overcome their fears and anxiety. I never want fear to stop them from reaching their goals and dreams. Below are 5 steps to help you manage your fears and anxiety in order to achieve what you want from life.
Step 1: Admit to it
Acknowledge that you are experiencing fear. Also acknowledge you are not the only one. Most people experience fear and anxiety for various reasons, especially when faced with big changes in their life or when they are going after something they really want. The challenge of living a life that is full of success is accepting that you are afraid but keep going anyways.
Step 2: Name your fears
Figure out what you are actually afraid of and what is causing you stress. Take the time to identify what is springing up your fears. Pin point it down to the specifics. You can only fight your fears if you know what it is you are afraid of.
Step 3: Recall past successes
Spend time remembering a time in your life in the past when you were afraid but went forward anyway. Take the time to recall the details of what it was you were afraid of and how you pushed yourself through despite it. Give yourself credit for the success you had in the past and build up your confidence in order to face the new challenge.
Step 4: Ready, set, go!
Create a solid plan for action. Figure out what it is you want to achieve that fear has been stopping you from going after. Once you have a clearly defined end goal create a plan with small steps that will lead to what you want. Using small steps will allow you to have realistic expectations for yourself and give you the chance to actually achieve them. This in turn will create small successes which will encourage you to keep going and to be motivated. Create deadlines for each small step in order to hold yourself accountable.
Step 5: No man is an island.
Don’t try to go the road alone. Get support to help you accomplish what you want. Think of specific people in your life that care about you. Ask them to help you figure out things when you feel stuck. Allow yourself every once in a while to have a venting session when you get frustrated but ask for a pep talk to bring you up once you let it all out. Seek other people you know that have faced fears in their lives and came out on the other end. Learn from them.
What fears have been holding you back in life? Imagine what your life would be like if you were no longer limited by them. Brainstorm a list of things that you have passed on doing and goals you wanted to achieve but haven’t because of fear. Use the steps above as a guide and get on the path of getting what you want out of life.
ABOUT ESSENCE OF HEALING COUNSELING:
Roberta Alves is a therapist and counselor at the Essence of Healing Counseling in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. She is a Certified Anxiety Specialist and uses a scientific and evidence based type of therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Research has shown that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is proven to be extremely effective in treating anxiety. Roberta is truly passionate about the work she does and loves serving her clients in Ft. Lauderdale and the surrounding South Florida areas. If you want to learn the proven techniques to overcome your anxiety, schedule an appointment today.
