Breaking Free: Overcoming the 3 Fears That Hold You Back
Abstract
Fear is often viewed as a negative emotion, something that holds us back from achieving our goals and living our lives to the fullest. However, fear can also serve as a protective mechanism, alerting us to potential dangers and helping us avoid harm. While fear can be beneficial in life-or-death situations, many of us face different types of fears on a daily basis that can hold us back from reaching our full potential.
The 3 Fears That Trick Us into Thinking We’re Comfortable and Safe
There are three fears that can masquerade as comfort and safety but ultimately hold us back from living our best lives. These fears are:
1. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): The fear of missing out on activities, information, opportunities, and experiences can lead to overcommitting and constant checking of emails and social media. This fear can make us feel like we’re constantly playing catch-up, trying to stay ahead of the curve (Kropp, 2018).
2. Fear of Disappointing Others (FODO): The fear of disappointing others can lead to people-pleasing, saying “yes” when we mean “no,” and feeling depleted and resentful. This fear can make us prioritize others’ needs over our own, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction (Brown, 2010).
3. Fear of Trusting Yourself: The fear of trusting oneself can lead to second-guessing, looking outward for answers, and running on autopilot. This fear can make it challenging to stay present, set boundaries, and make decisions that align with our values and goals (Tolle, 2004).
The Remedies for Each Fear
Fortunately, there are remedies for each of these fears. By practicing presence, setting boundaries, and trusting oneself, we can break free from the limitations these fears impose.
– Being Truly Present: To overcome FOMO, it’s essential to be truly present in the moment. This means noticing everything and everyone around us, paying attention to the big picture and the little details. By being present, we can let go of the need to constantly check and catch up (Kabat-Zinn, 2003).
– Setting Boundaries: To overcome FODO, it’s crucial to set boundaries. By setting and honoring our own boundaries, we remind others that our boundaries matter, and we may inspire them to create their own (Cloud & Townsend, 1992).
– Trusting Yourself: To overcome the fear of trusting oneself, it’s essential to listen to our heart and intuition. By tuning in to our inner voice, we can develop the confidence to make decisions that align with our values and goals (Sinetar, 1998).
Letting Go of Fear and Living Authentically
Letting go of these fears takes time and practice, but it’s worth it. By overcoming FOMO, FODO, and the fear of trusting oneself, we can live more authentically, show up fully in our lives, and pursue our passions with confidence. These fears aren’t protecting us; they’re holding us back. By breaking free from them, we can unlock our full potential and live a more fulfilling life.
References
Brown, B. (2010). The Gifts of Imperfection. Hazelden Publishing.
Cloud, H., & Townsend, J. (1992). Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life. Zondervan.
Kabat-Zinn, J. (2003). Mindfulness for Beginners: Reclaiming the Present Moment—and Your Life. Sounds True.
Kropp, D. (2018). The Power of Vulnerability. Hay House.
Sinetar, M. (1998). Developing a 21st-Century Mind. Paulist Press.
Tolle, E. (2004). The Power of Now. Namaste Publishing.