Six Simple Things You Can Do to Overcome the Fear of Doing Something New

Have you ever started to do something new and then been stuck, unable to start and not knowing why?  Have you ever felt really inspired to do something, planned to start and hit a brick wall, letting fear keep you from doing it?   That is where I am at.  I am passionate about helping others become a better version of themselves and hopefully avoid some of the mistakes I have made.  Not change who they are but, realize that they can be a better version of themselves.  I also have a wealth of experience and knowledge about certain topics and want to be able to share that with others in hopes that it will make their life better, easier, healthier.  Instead of sharing those inspirations I sit here stuck.  Not knowing where to start.  Not knowing what to write about.  Not knowing what people really want.

But, do you want to know what is truly behind being “stuck”?  Fear.  Fear of rejection.  Fear of being laughed at.  Fear of not being good enough.  Fear.  Just fear.

Fear can have a gripping effect but, fear can be overcome.  I am 61 years old and recently started to learn to play the violin.  I am petrified to play in front of other people.  I am sure you have experienced that same type of fear where your stomach starts to get a little sick and the body starts to sweat.  A year ago I had committed to playing in a recital with several little kids that play very well and then started to think I made the biggest mistake ever.  I practiced fervently and knew my songs.  While driving there I literally turned around because of fear.  I let fear win.  I broke a commitment I made to my instructor and to myself.  Fear!  Overwhelming, overcoming, fear.  Later I was disappointed in myself and the fact that I let fear win.  I determined that I was going to do something about fear.  I was determined to overcome.

Recently, I committed to a violin competition in which I would be playing with a piano accompanist and before a judge.  I had decided to win over my fear of playing in front of someone and learned my songs well in advance, practiced with a recording, practiced with the accompanist, which is fear-overcoming in itself, and arrived at the venue to play.  This time, however, I went in and played my pieces, knowing I would be judged.  I won over fear!

What made the difference?  For two weeks prior to the competition I told myself that I was going to show the judge the beautiful songs I had learned.  I was going to show her what I am capable of.  I was determined to brighten her day.  Basically, I had a mindset change.  I looked at my obstacle from a different angle.  By the way, I received a superior for my songs that day.  They weren’t played perfectly but they were played confidently and when I made a mistake I kept going.  I left no room for self-criticism.

There are a few simple steps to overcoming fear of doing something, stepping out of your comfort zone.

1.   Think about why you want to do it.

2.   Realize that fear is normal.  Everyone that starts something new experiences fear and at least some anxiety.

3.   Set a goal that you can focus on.

4.   Change your mindset.  Fear is an emotion not a thing.  Practice controlling your emotions, including fear.

5.   Be prepared.

6.   Realize what you have to offer or gain by overcoming fear.

So, here I sit at my computer pecking out my first blog post ever.  I am sure it is not perfect.  I am sure some will not like it.  I am also sure that I have things to share that somewhere out there may glean from.  Someone out there needs to hear that they can have victory over fear.  Maybe that someone is you.

Funny thing about being afraid to do something, you can either let it overcome you, or you can be the victor.  I choose to be the victor.  How about you?