Tackle Your Fears to Build a New You

Tackle Your Fears to Build a New You

Did you know that facing down your fears can change your life in radical ways? I’ve seen it happen with my clients time and again — and it’s powerful stuff. Fear is a natural human emotion, one that we’ll always have to deal with. It can be a negative motivator, but it can also be a positive one — if you can turn your fear around and use it to help you take on life’s challenges. Don’t let those fears of getting fit, losing weight, becoming healthier, and improving your life hold you back any longer. Start CONQUERING them

1. Fear of Change
The first hurdle to get over is the soul-crushing fear of change. It can keep you stuck in a dead-end job, a bad relationship, or self-destructive behavior patterns. When it comes to building a better and healthier life, people who are wary of making changes must be EXTRA careful not to sabotage their own efforts. If you’re not satisfied with the way things are, you have to kick your own butt into gear and make CHANGES because, you know what? The only thing that’s holding you back from achieving your dreams is YOU. So be brave, believe in yourself, and stop letting your excuses keep you from getting what you want out of life!

Fear of the Unknown and Untried
Think about something you NEVER thought you could do — skydiving, skiing, surfing, public speaking, burlesque dancing — and do it! The best way to conquer your fear of the unknown is to get out there, try it, and survive it. (Don’t do anything unsafe. If it’s an activity that requires training, get guidance from a qualified professional.) How can you tackle this fear? Make your mind work FOR you. Think rationally and VISUALIZE your success. Conquering your fear of the unknown will give you confidence to bust out your other goals.

Fear of Screwing Up
Don’t be afraid of making mistakes along the way. Accept that you are going to screw up, and know that it doesn’t mean all your efforts are out the window. When you’re on a journey toward change, you have to lose the all-or-nothing, perfectionist attitude, and ALLOW for setbacks. You can’t let procrastination get in your way either. Putting off working out or eating better isn’t going to cut it. You need to address the fear that’s causing you to procrastinate. If you’re stuck or feeling discouraged, break your big goals down into mini-goals and take pride in your small successes along the way.

Fear of Letting People Down
Do you sacrifice your own needs to do things for others? Are you likely to bust your butt working overtime for your boss or spend an hour listening to your friend complain about her problems, rather than focusing on your own life? If so, you’re suffering from “people pleaser” behavior, and you need to get OVER it and start prioritizing! Whenever you feel compelled to do something for someone else, ask yourself: Do I REALLY want to do this? Do I even have time? If it’s going to stress you out or mess with your own goals, drop it. Make a polite excuse, and focus on YOURSELF instead.

Fear of Success
Are you ever afraid that even if you accomplish your goals, you still won’t be satisfied, or that people will expect more from you? Are you worried you won’t be able to sustain your progress, or worse, that deep down you don’t deserve success? Negative thinking like this is a surefire way to sabotage your efforts, so CHANGE your attitude. Trust me, life is always a work in progress. But one success leads to another, and that’s a GOOD thing. The work you’re doing is 100 percent WORTH it, so keep it up, rock star!

Remember, it’s okay to feel fear, but don’t let it stop you! You can power through those fear roadblocks and move forward to reach your goals. It’s time to turn “I can’t” into “I can”!By Jillian Michaels

__________________