What are your strategies for overcoming fear?

[denise_xo]

March your ass right into the fire.

 

I find the best thing to do is just do it.

 

This is definitely becoming the general theme in this thread

 

SpiralOut, I like what you said about talking yourself out of things, as well as this "It is worse to not do something out of fear, than to do that thing and make a mistake.".

 

 

2sure, look at all the other people that can do this. All kinds of people. If they can do it, I can do it.

 

If that doesn't work I think of a person I can't stand who can do it, and then for sure I'm all in.

 

This works.

 

Yes, I've used this for perfomance anxiety, along the lines of 'if so and so idiot can do it, then definitely so can I'. Works for me, too.

 

 

my hands tend to want to move when i am nervous.i try and shake out what i am feeling by dancing actually dancing lol......i feel more in tune and inside my own body then......is that weird probably i dont care it helps me relax.....fear with expressing feelings with me depends on the situation and the person if they are aggressive i will be more dominant and forthright.......if i dotn feel anything but am enjoying the conversation i can relax, if i have feelings that i am not in control of.....there i go nikes on....runnin....i do avoid situations and feelings i am not comfortable with...i need to work on this......because i can be extremely confident......its hard because it varies..in work i am confident in love not so...deb

 

You know, I find dance a brilliant method of meditation, so I identify with that. There's a reason why clubbing and raves are so popular.

[Emilia]

My strategy is widening my comfort zone by engaging in activities that scare me and conquering them on a regular basis over and over again. After a while you learn to recognise the early signs of 'fight or flight' (that's what fear is) and self talk helps you to fight rather than flight.

[pink_sugar]

Most importantly...facing the fear! I was afraid to fly before getting on a plane the first time...I did it and it was like a bus ride. I was afraid to get my teeth pulled...I did it and it wasn't that bad! I always told myself I wouldn't let fear overcome me, but you really have to face your fear and you'll discover it really wasn't that bad after all.

[Titanwolf]

Well due to my own pride, I hate to say I have weaknesses..but I do. I have a fear of falling from heights. However, I choose not to allow that fear to control me. I refuse to yield to it and instead, get up close and personal whenever possible. I climb mountains and even plan to sky dive soon. Eventually, I'll over come my fear and when I do, I'll be proud to say that my once weakness, has now become another strength.

[FitChick]

You are afraid because of something you believe. Eliminate the belief using a Method I am FORBIDDEN from naming, so PM me.

 

I also use the Release Technique used in a different "Method" named after a town in Arizona known for New Age type therapies. Hint: begins with an S. I use the technique "in the moment" because it's basically three questions and you can do it silently.

 

Those two different therapies have been lifesavers over the years.

[denise_xo]

My strategy is widening my comfort zone by engaging in activities that scare me and conquering them on a regular basis over and over again. After a while you learn to recognise the early signs of 'fight or flight' (that's what fear is) and self talk helps you to fight rather than flight.

 

I like that strategy. What kind of things do you do specifically (if you don't mind me asking)?

 

Most importantly...facing the fear! I was afraid to fly before getting on a plane the first time...I did it and it was like a bus ride. I was afraid to get my teeth pulled...I did it and it wasn't that bad! I always told myself I wouldn't let fear overcome me, but you really have to face your fear and you'll discover it really wasn't that bad after all.

 

True, that's often what happens. It's a bit like the 'what is the worst thing that could happen' scenario above. Most of the time, that worst case scenario doesn't materialise.

 

 

Well due to my own pride, I hate to say I have weaknesses..but I do. I have a fear of falling from heights. However, I choose not to allow that fear to control me. I refuse to yield to it and instead, get up close and personal whenever possible. I climb mountains and even plan to sky dive soon. Eventually, I'll over come my fear and when I do, I'll be proud to say that my once weakness, has now become another strength.

 

Nice

[denise_xo]

You are afraid because of something you believe. Eliminate the belief using a Method I am FORBIDDEN from naming, so PM me.

 

I also use the Release Technique used in a different "Method" named after a town in Arizona known for New Age type therapies. Hint: begins with an S. I use the technique "in the moment" because it's basically three questions and you can do it silently.

 

Those two different therapies have been lifesavers over the years.

 

that post made me laugh. I'm going to look up towns in Arizona now I'm pretty sure that I remember forbidden-to-mention-method I from your earlier posts, but I'l be dropping you a PM.

[Emilia]

I like that strategy. What kind of things do you do specifically (if you don't mind me asking)?

 

 

Sure no problem.

 

Climbing or abseiling to conquer a natural fear of height (it's not a phobia though), boxing (though not always sparring), learning to swim properly when I was scared of being in deep water, lots of things like that. I was scared of driving so I made myself to learn properly. Any time I feel a bit of resistance but I have interest in the activity I take a gulp and go along to some kind of a group session and get into it. Even things like going to parties on my own.

 

Self talk is soothing yourself while you are preparing for the activity to calm yourself down. I allow the fear to pass through me, I picture it like a swarm of bees that fly around me briefly before swarming off somewhere else.

 

I've also learned to control my fear by controlling my breathing ie not allowing hyperventillation. I don't like flying and when it's particularly unnerving I practice the 7/11 breathing technique: count to 7 when breathing in, count to 11 when breathing out.

 

In relationship I'm better at not being impulsive to pre-empt situations by being defensive before the person had the chance to betray my trust.

[AlexCross]

I am singing Karaoke tonight. Guess what. I am terrified. I don't care if i sound like Andrew Dice Clay I am gonna sing no matter how horrible I sound. I am just going to overcome my fear.