Summary
We have often said that if you push yourself out of your comfort zone just a little each day, life will be more fulfilling, exciting, and you’ll gain more confidence. Feeling fear is natural, but experiencing anxiety to the point of paralysis can stop you from living life to the fullest.
The heightened anxiety over the past year has affected everyone. We have lost confidence while feeling uncertain about our futures. However, reflecting on the many obstacles we have encountered, we’ve found that taking chances to make changes has always improved our lives. We’re not suggesting abandoning caution entirely; instead, if there’s something you truly wish to do, but fear holds you back, we are here to help you calm your nerves and take a leap towards a better life.
Tips to Help you Face Your Fears
How do we get over our fears? Here are some of our tips.
Take Baby Steps
When confronting your fears, it’s crucial not to exceed what you can manage. For instance, if you fear small spaces, scuba diving in a cenote in Mexico might be overwhelming. Similarly, if heights frighten you, bungee jumping may not be the best choice. Instead, opt for something less extreme. For mild claustrophobia, consider enjoying an escape room night out with friends. For fear of heights, start with jumping from a pool diving board before attempting the high dive.
If scuba diving has always intrigued you but going 30 feet underwater seems daunting, why not begin with snorkeling? Activities like rock climbing or bungee jumping may feel intimidating, but rappelling or ziplining could offer a thrilling yet more manageable alternative.
Have a Cheering Section
During my polar plunge in Antarctica, I felt terrified of the freezing water. However, with friends forming a support group, I felt significantly more at ease. Their positive energy helped me gain the confidence to leap into sub-zero water. Daring to go it alone would’ve likely left me hesitating.
Positive Thinking
In moments of fear, we focus on positive affirmations, such as, “People do this all the time, I’m going to be okay.” This mindset has enabled me to jump into icy waters when doubt crept in, as it has helped Dave navigate spider-web-strewn jungle paths during early morning hikes.
We remind ourselves that countless individuals face similar fears daily and survive to share their stories. Though we may be stepping outside our comfort zones, we are just ordinary people, and we will be alright. The mind possesses incredible power; positive thoughts can assist in overcoming fears.
Do Something That Scares You a Little Bit on a Regular Basis
Many perceive Dave and me as fearless and invincible. In reality, we harbor fears just like anyone else. We often worry about failure, surviving an epic hike, or navigating the unknown. For instance, while trekking the Missinaibi Headwaters in winter, we feared walking on frozen lakes, enduring -30°C temperatures, and completing a 100km journey.
If we hadn’t confronted numerous fears in the past, facing this challenge would have seemed impossible. However, because we regularly engage in activities that scare us, we recognized the need to stay focused and push through, knowing we would likely be fine.
Admit When you Are Afraid
People often believe they are alone in their fears, but once I express my nerves, others commonly agree, whether waiting for a cage dive with great white sharks or battling whitewater rapids in a kayak. Voice your fears aloud—it can be liberating.
Frequently, people say to us, “I thought you weren’t afraid of anything.” Their misconception can keep them from sharing their own fears. Realizing we too experience fear establishes a sense of camaraderie, making us feel less isolated and consequently less afraid.
Hire a Professional
Dave and I undertake quite a few seemingly crazy activities. I flew a stunt plane in New Zealand, and Dave jumped from a plane there as well. Throughout these adventures, we ensured professionals accompanied us at every step. Before embarking on an epic hike or tackling a raging river in a kayak, we prioritize preparation.
Choosing to take a course or hire a guide can alleviate much of the anxiety surrounding adventurous activities. Trusting an experienced professional not only ensures safety but also reveals hidden courage you may not have known existed.
Embrace National Face Your Fears Day as motivation to challenge your anxieties. Make plans to do something that scares you today! Whether you’ve wanted to approach a crush or apply for a new job, this is your opportunity.
If heights terrify you, consider taking an elevator to your city’s tallest building and enjoying the view from the top. The challenge may vary in scale, but today is your day to conquer it.
What’s your greatest fear? Are you prepared to face it today?
This article reflects my collaboration with Carnival. All opinions, thoughts, and ideas expressed belong to us.
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Travel Planning Resources
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Find Your Next Flights: Start your planning by discovering the best flight deals on Skyscanner.
Find Your Hotel: For favorable hotel rates in Europe, choose Booking.com, while travelers in other regions may prefer TripAdvisor.
Apartment Rentals: Secure affordable rates for apartment rentals through VRBO.
Travel Insurance: Always ensure you have coverage. We recommend:
- Safety Wing – Occasional Travelers.
- Medjet – Global air medical transport and travel security.
Your Activities: For walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and other experiences, check out Get Your Guide.
For additional trip-planning assistance, refer to our Resources Page, where we highlight trustworthy companies we use during our travels.
