
3 surprising steps to conquer your fears
By Dr Berni Sewell | Overcome your fears
How many things in life have you missed out on because you were too scared? And how many chances have you not taken because of fear?
My whole life, fear stopped me from doing so many amazing things that I would have enjoyed, that would have enriched my life.
I could never travel because I was terrified of trains and planes. And I was anxious of going places I had never been before, of the risks, traps and threats that awaited me at my unknown destination.
I couldn’t drive a car. Because I was horrified I might stall the car at the crossroads and everybody would think I was an incompetent imbecile. I was worried I may accidentally hit someone, or be hit myself and get hurt.
I couldn’t even go to the movies. Because I was so scared about what the other people would think of me if I had to get up in the middle of the film to use the toilet.
And when I faced the decision whether I should move to the UK from Austria, where I grew up, fear completely paralysed me. My thoughts and worries were spiralling out of control. Endless scenarios played in my mind about the potential disastrous consequences of my choices. A relentless barrage of “What ifs” kept me up at night.
And I could just not make a decision.
I knew the offer I had to start a fully-funded PhD studentship was an excellent opportunity I would not get in Austria. But my fear wouldn’t even let me consider it.
And at this point, I had to find a way to conquer my fears. Or else I would miss out on what transpired to be a life-changing experience.
And, as it turned out, there are only 3 slightly wacky (but very powerful) steps we need to take to stop fear from stopping us.
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