Fear is usually the biggest reason people can’t get started. It’s important to understand fear, so let’s explore. What is fear?
Fear is a response to a threat, meaning it is designed to keep us safe. In that regard, it’s very useful. But too many people know that it can get out of hand.
We learn from this definition that fear is an emotion! That means it only exists for the person experiencing it. Which in turn means it could potentially… not exist.
Now you have the secret. Control of fear and worry is a skill of starters.
Here’s the science in a nutshell:
Our senses perceive a threat and create glutamate which travels to the hypothalamus, which sends a signal to our glands to create adrenaline and consequently a number of physical reactions we have no control over: increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, running and screaming, you get the picture.
In short, our body reacts automatically to perceived threats. We can’t control the creation of glutamate in their body unfortunately. That involuntary reaction is hard-wired.
So to control fear outside of chemical manipulation, a person has to change how they perceive threats. Step one is identification. What is it that’s worrying you? What’s the potential harm? Analyzing something can help us take emotion out of it. When you identify and pick apart the threat your brain is trying to protect you from, you already begin to mitigate that chemical response.
If I were to ask what’s the best way to remove yourself from a compromising circumstance, what would you say? Don't be there in the first place!
We pay too little attention to both our literal and figurative environments. Our ability to act and react has a strong dependency on it. Keep yourself in safe environments!
When control is out of your hands, decide what you can control and take the reins.
If you know you’re going into the sun, bring some sunscreen. It would seem obvious, right? Why then, are there so many sunburns?
It’s because we have a hard time identifying when we have control. Sometimes we play the victim when we shouldn’t.
If a situation can be manipulated in a way that neutralizes the threat, make the changes and say good-bye to fear. Your dietician will tell you if you are trying to avoid sugar and you know you have a weakness for skittles, stop walking down the candy aisle. (Environment!)
Knowing when you have control is also a skill of starters.
If you’re in a cage with an angry crocodile, are you going to try to influence the croc to calm down? Or are you going to get out of that cage ASAP? You can’t control the croc or his anger, but you can control you. (Did you remember, you shouldn’t be in that cage in the first place? Good job.)
There are signs all around us if we’ll notice them and then heed them. Especially in the best environments. "Signs" can include advice from loved ones, friends who’ve been bitten, and straight up billboards that warn us...
Truth is, the biggest thing holding you back from achieving your goals is you. Take control of your fear. Lean in to your worries. Read the signs and make a focused effort to be in the best places with the people who want what’s best for you.
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