Facing a Scary Situation? Boost Your Bravery With 5 Proven Tips

We’ve all felt the crippling effects of fear. Presenting to a large audience, taking on new responsibilities, or attending a social event can elicit fear in even the most courageous of people.

Fear is a natural response to new experiences. It's meant to protect, yet can also hold us back, prevent us from taking risks, and hinder our success. When we consciously shift our mindset from fear to curiosity, however, we open ourselves up to endless possibilities.

Instead of invading your thoughts with “This is scary”, encourage yourself to simply think “This is new.”

By reframing our perspective and recognizing that every new experience is an opportunity for growth, we have the ability to unlock our potential for learning a new skill, discovering a fresh perspective, or opening up to finding new strengths.

When we embrace the mindset of “This is new,” we become more flexible and resilient, ready to adapt and thrive in ever-changing circumstances. This small but mighty shift in our mindset allows us to expand our comfort zones, break free from self-imposed limitations, and tap into our full potential.

Here are five effective strategies that can help combat fear:

1. Challenge your thoughts: Create a slight shift from “I can’t do this” to “I am learning how to do this” or “I don’t know what I’m doing” to “I am figuring out how to do this.”

2. Seek support: Share your fears with trusted friends, family, or support groups. Simply knowing you’re not alone in your worries can be comforting.

3. Practice the Shero pose: Stand with your feet hip distance, hands on your hips, with your head held high, chest out, smile, and take some deep breaths.

4. Visualize success: Use visualization techniques to imagine yourself successfully overcoming your fears. Visualizing positive outcomes can boost your confidence and motivation.

5. Take your own advice: If a friend came to you seeking insight on similar circumstances what would you tell her? Good, now take your wise advice and use it on yourself!

Your success rate in getting through hard things is 100%.

You’ve done it before, and you’ll do it again. You’ve got this, Shero!