So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is…fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. [Franklin D. Roosevelt]

Can we really be paralysed with fear because we fear the worst happening? Well actually it turns out that we can indeed succumb to that misfortune!

There are some who are afraid of failure, others are afraid of success. Regardless of the source of the fear, it immobilizes too many and prevents them from achieving what they desire and are capable of!

I remember very vividly at the end of year school dance, when there was that awkward moment, with the girls down one side and the boys down the other and a vast expanse of dance floor in between! Having that courage to go over and ask a girl to dance, left me rooted to the spot with fear!

There is a sure fire way to fail, and that’s is to never try! But how can you get over that real fear of not trying to change? How do you strive forward and create a better future? Here are some empowering ways to set the ball in motion!

1. First, admit you have a fear. This is a really big first step. Many of us have these fears, but they are at the back of our mind, unnoticed, unacknowledged, as we try to ignore them and pretend they’re not there. But they are there. And they affect us, every day, all of our lives. So acknowledge the fear!

2. Write it down. What is your fear? Write it on a piece of paper. Writing it down not only acknowledges that you have it, bringing it out into the light — but it externalizes the fear!

3. Feel the fear. You’ve acknowledged it, but you’re still afraid of it. You’re reluctant to even have this fear, perhaps even embarrassed about it. Now allow yourself to feel it. Experience it fully. It isn’t as bad as you think. It’s a part of you, but it doesn’t control you!

4. Be in the moment. Fear of failure (and other similar fears) are fears of the future. We get caught up in worrying about what might happen. Instead, banish all thoughts of the future. Concentrate on what is good about your life at this moment!

5. Small steps. Conquering fear and pursuing a life goal can be overwhelming, intimidating. So start small. Just take one little small step. Something you know you can do. Something you’re sure to succeed at.

6. Ask yourself: what’s the worst thing that could happen? Often it’s not as bad as we think. Do you fear failing in a new career? What would happen if you did? You’d get another job. You’d move on. Get motivation in your life!

7. Celebrate every success! Every single thing you do right, celebrate it! Even the smallest little thing. And use this feeling of success, of victory, to propel yourself forward and take the next step. The more success you have, then the more you will bring into your life!

Fear causes us to notice and remember negative events, which reinforces our sense that the world is a scary place!

By working to change that we deliberately notice what is positive — the joy we feel when we see someone we love, the pleasure of a sunny day, the beauty in nature, the fun of travelling somewhere new!