Fear is pervasive. It can enter our lives in as many forms as there are human emotions. And this is what makes it so dangerous. What’s more, it seems to be getting worse… In fact, according to Statistics Canada, the number of Canadians 15 years of age and older suffering from generalized anxiety has doubled in 10 years from 2012 to 2022, jumping from 2.6% to 5.2%. So, if you happen to be struggling with fear and anxiety, please understand that you’re not alone. 

However, this naturally encourages the question… How can you break free from fear and stop letting it control your life? Luckily, there is a simple solution. And if you’re willing to make a few changes, you will be shocked at how quickly you can take back control of your life. But first, we need to know what the most common fears are so we can make the proper adjustments. Keep reading to learn more.  

The 6 Basic Fears

To break free from fear, you need to know the type of fear that is holding you back. The old Sun Tzu quote “Know thy enemy” perfectly illustrates what I mean. You have to know your enemy (in this case, the type of fear you’re experiencing) before you can break free from it. Did you know there are 6 basic fears? They are as follows:

1. The Fear Of Failure

This fear is absolutely paralyzing for many people. No one wants to look like a failure in their own eyes or in the eyes of others. However, it’s important to know the truth about failure. It’s a necessity. Failure teaches you where you can improve and, as a result, is a stepping stone that can lead you to success. 

2. The Fear Of Success

For some people, this may seem a little counterintuitive. Why would someone fear the outcome that they want? The answer can be found in the added pressure and responsibility that often comes handcuffed with achieving success. But here’s the deal: The additional obligations that success warrants is nothing but another source for your own growth and development as a person. Don’t fear new responsibilities; embrace and look forward to them as they are strong indicators that you are growing in the right direction.

3. The Fear Of Rejection

This is self-explanatory. No one likes feeling the pulsating sting of rejection. It’s a biting pain that burrows deep within your consciousness when you experience it. But what if I told you that rejection was actually a good thing? What if I told you rejection was a signal that you’re moving in the right direction? Here’s the deal: Every “no” gets you a little closer to a “yes.” Whether you are looking for new clients or a romantic relationship, going through rejection is the only way to get what you want. As the elegant Byron Katie once said…

“You can have anything you want in life if you’re willing to go through 1000 ‘no’s’ to get it.”

4. The Fear Of Inadequacy

All of us have felt inadequate at some time or another in our lives. This is, unfortunately, part of the human condition. However, you don’t have to let this fear dictate how you live your life. Fear of inadequacy comes from comparing yourself to others. And doing this is absolutely unfair to yourself. Your life is not like anybody else’s life, so you’re making the wrong comparison when you attempt to pit yourself against another person. If you’re going to compare yourself to anybody, the only reasonable comparison is to who you were yesterday. That’s it. 

5. The Fear Of The Unknown

One of our core human needs is our need for comfort and security. We like feeling certain about things. So when something we’re unfamiliar with is introduced, the status quo (the comfort we know and love) in our current lives becomes threatened. Naturally, we begin to fight and resist this type of change. The fear of the unknown can be very insidious in this manner. 

6. The Fear Of Commitment

Do you have difficulty making firm decisions? If so, you’re not alone. Many people fear committing to anything in their lives. They fear committing to a partner, a career, a goal, a hobby, etc. The problem with this fear is it leaves you aimless. Think about it… If you can’t commit to anything, how can you possibly move forward to any worthwhile destination? You’re essentially a rudderless ship lost in the vast ocean of life getting tossed around by the waves of circumstance. Now that you’re aware of the 6 basic fears, you may be asking yourself…

How Can You Start Breaking Free From Fear?

The best way to break free from fear and anxiety is to shift your mindset. Did you know that where the mind goes, the man or woman follows? That means that your brain is a powerful force in helping you overcome fear. So, you must learn how to use it correctly by consciously deciding which thoughts you will allow your mind to focus on. 

This may seem a little “impractical” to you at the moment. But I promise, it’s actually quite simple. Here are a few easy suggestions that can help you to shift and improve your thinking:

• Journaling
• Deep breathing exercises
• Meditation
• Engaging conversations with supportive friends/family
• Question your own beliefs
• Get out in nature

The idea behind these simple practices is to help quiet the voices in your head, and help you think more deeply. You need to improve your thinking patterns. This will allow you to elevate your brain capacity so you can spend more time focused on the things that bring you peace in life. 

In Conclusion

You don’t have to let fear control you. A fearless life is well within your reach if you’re willing to put in the effort to improve your thinking. And the best part? You don’t have to do this alone. We here at Certified Flourishing Coach can help. We are an expert team of coaches and facilitators who are passionate about helping business owners, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders flourish in life and in business. So, if you’re ready to step out of fear and into flourishing, contact us today to learn more.

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