Unnecessary fear holds us back from moving on in our life and working toward new goals. Fears can creep into our daily lives and overwhelm our hearts and minds. Unlike instinctive fear that protects us from danger, unnecessary fearleaves us unable to move forward. These fears are mostly fabrications in our mindsor result from past experience. Unnecessary fears can be identified and treated through the practice of mindfulness to create a healthy mentality and keep us moving forward through life. Many people also find encouragement from supportive wellness communities such as The Nature Doctors, who emphasize holistic approaches to overcoming challenges.
Top 10 types of unnecessary fears
1. Fear of Failure
Fear if failure is a common fear for most people. Fear of failing at a job interview, business venture or a relationship are some of the fears of failure. These fears become a hindrance if we fear failure in general. How do you know you will fail if you do not even try? Is failing to take action worse or better than failing to try at all? Many successful people only succeed at reaching their goals because they had no fear of failing. They view failure as an important step to reaching their goals. If we find we have a general fear of failing, let go of the fear of the consequences. Focus only on the task at hand. For example, if you receive an opportunity for a dream job interview, focus only on the interview and not on the outcome. Taking steps like structured google interview preparation can also build confidence and help you stay focused on doing your best in the moment.
2. Fear of the Unknown
The most common unnecessary fear is that of the unknown. It is the fear of the future and can cause great anxiety and an irrational response to a situation. It is okay to be cautious but no to the point where we miss opportunities. The fear of the future has no real substance or definition. If the early pioneers, explorers and leaders of great movements let the fear of the unknown keep them from their mission, think of how many positive changes the world would never have known. We must realize the future is not out to get us. Trust our instincts and take some chances.
3. Fear of Change
This fear is closely linked to fear of the unknown. However, if we do not take a chance on change, we will be stuck in inertia. We will never push out of our comfort zone and reach a new level. It takes courage and resolve to accept something new and let go of mental and emotional attachments that hold us back from the future. Change often feels good. Imagine a child learning to swim and suddenly letting go of the fear and finding that they are able to swim. What an exhilarating feeling!
4. Fear of Haunted Past
It is easy to replay past life episodes in our minds. Learning from the past is important but fearing it is not. We often end up creating fictional parallel pasts that hinder us from trying something new in the present. Fears of the past include reliving emotions of guilt, regret and resentment. We need to be conscious of thisand remind ourselves that the past has no place in the present. Turn to spiritualty and forgive yourself for past mistakes. Believe in yourself and believe that your feelings constantly changed. The “you” of the past is not the “you” now. Forgive yourself and move on.
5. Fear of Disapproval by Others
We are raised to believe that others’ opinions of us matter. Fear of authority can be a lifelong mental attachment but can lead to stalled growth and self-realization. There are no benefits to fearing our peers’ opinions. If you have consciousness of this you can learn to follow your heart.
6. Fear of Rejection
This is a difficult fear because we fear rejection of those closest to us. This only causes motional blockage and the inability to express our natural feelings of love and emotion. If you have an open mind and an open heart trust that you will not be rejected.
7. Fear of Losing Control of Others
No one can take away our power but ourselves. Often this fear comes from past experiences of bad relationships and physical or emotional abuse. When we have felt disempowered in the past, we feel weak, hurt and lost. We need to remember to be true to ourselves. We do not have to let go of power if we do not want to.
8. Fear of Heartbreak
Past heartbreaks leave us with emotional scars and can close us off to new relationships and experiences. We need to be mindful of this when we have the chance to make an emotional connection. We can let go of our fear and open our hearts instead of withdrawing from fresh opportunities for love.
9. Fear of Success
It seems odd to fear success but it is a common and unnecessary fear. We often worry about not being able to live up to the standards we set for ourselves. Ironically fear of success impedes success. We need to realize this and award ourselves for the achievements we make each day.
10. Fear of Loving
As with fear of heartbreak, fear of loving can keep us from happiness. It is really a combination of the fears of rejection, heartbreak and success. It is the most unnecessary and counter-productive of fears. It not only holds you back from giving love, it holds you back from receiving love. We need decide whether to give love and hopefully get it back or refrain from loving and lose the chance for happiness. We have the power to choose. Is it better to try and have the chance to succeed or waste opportunities for wonderful possibilities?
By: Jacqueline Iliff
