ARTICLE: 5 Ways to Thwart the Fear That Stands Between You and Your Dreams!

Anyone who dares to pursue their dreams will face fear sooner or later. There is certainly no shortage of things to be afraid of: fear of failure, fear of success, fear of what others will think, fear of being alone, fear of losing control, fear of the unknown, fear of losing the familiar, fear that you were wrong about your dream, fear of wasting time and money, fear of making mistakes, fear of leaving others behind… and these are just a few.

Fear is part of the human condition. No matter how you slice it, fear is going to be a part of your life. Hence, it is not the absence of fear that distinguishes successful dream-makers from unfulfilled wishers. When it comes to fear, the only difference between those that make their dreams come true and those that do not, is how they relate to their fear.

People who successfully manifest their dreams understand and accept that fear comes with the territory. They’ve learned ways to be bigger than their fear, dismantle it, or diffuse it. However, people who are controlled by their fear tend to lack the perspective and the tools necessary to become master over their so-called demons.

Here are five of my favorite fear-thwarting techniques:

1) Honor your fear. Emotions are the language of the soul. If fear is rearing its head, pay attention. Rather than pushing it away, listen and explore what the fear is about. If your fear is watching out for your safety, heed its call. But if your fear is heralding an opportunity to stretch beyond your comfort zone, then know that this is the time to take a breath and keep putting one foot in front of the other.

2) Befriend your fear. If your fear is presenting a growth opportunity, practice making it your ally. Rather than pushing your fear away, welcome it and embrace the chance to discover how to live with it. Give yourself permission to be afraid while simultaneously moving forward in your life. Imagine how much easier it would be to take a risk once you’ve given yourself permission to look an idiot, feel like a dork, sweat, shake, or stumble over your words.

3) Play the what’s-the-worst-that-can-happen? game. When fear has its grip on you, it is easy to become consumed by it. Sometimes fear is so big that it is all you can see. When this happens, ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen?” Once you have a response, ask again, “And what if that happens? What is the worst that can come of that?” Keep going until there is nothing left to ask. This exercise can help you realize that what is possible (your worst fear) is not what is probable (the more realistic outcome). A silenced fear tends to gain power and escalate to fantasy. But when you give voice to your fear, not only can it dissipate more easily, but you’ll likely gain a more grounded perspective on your situation. A new view will help you to breathe easier and this will allow you to access your more productive side.

4) Enlist the support of a guardian angel, coach, or cheering section. Going for your dreams requires taking risks. But no one said you have to do it alone. Allowing others to support in taking your next big step can help you to become bigger than your fear – even if only for a while. By lining up a pep talk beforehand, a smiling presence during, and a safety-net afterwards, you will discover that you can do things you never thought possible!

5) Change your self-talk. Never underestimate the power of words. Words are energy. Words create. They create the world around you, as well as your inner reality. So, notice what you say to yourself. If it isn’t uplifting, find a way to put a positive spin on it. For example, rather than “I feel afraid,” say to yourself, “I feel alive!” Or replace “I’m so nervous I could puke,” with “I’m ready to channel this adrenaline!” And instead of “I don’t think I can do this,” ask yourself, “What is it that I can do?” Mere miracles can occur simply by embracing the discipline of changing the way you talk to yourself! Before you can begin to overcome your fears, you must first decide that you wish to embark on the journey. You don’t have to know how you will do it, but you do need to be willing. Whether it is your personality or the way you were raised, there is much about fear-management that can be approached as a learnable skill. With a small bag of tricks and a little practice, you too can experience the self-confidence and freedom that comes from conquering your fears!

International Life Coach, Sonia Miller, has helped countless seekers realize their greatest aspirations since 1983. Learn how with her FREE Special Report: “How to Unleash the Magic When the Law of Attraction DOESN’T Work for You!” and her FREE content-rich monthly newsletter, the “Soul Food Ezine.” Go to: http://www.SuccessForTheSoul.com.