The Silent Voice of Fear Prevents Our Progress (and How to Overcome It)
By Leiza Clark
Fear exists as a silent force which prevents us from moving forward. The voice of fear does not always create intense panic or fear. The voice of fear usually presents itself through cautious statements that seem reasonable. The voice inside my head has told me in the past to delay until doing something until the perfect moment has arrived, while staying within familiar boundaries and following safe choices. I’ve followed this voice over the years because I believed it safeguarded me, but it actually prevented me from achieving my desired goals or life.
Our biological makeup includes fear as an essential component. The brain contains the amygdala which functions as a small almond-shaped structure that performs danger detection. The body activates its survival response when fear appears by increasing heart rate and releasing adrenaline and redirecting blood flow for either fighting or fleeing. Modern life presents different types of threats to humans because our ancestors used to face predators in their environment.
Prolonged existence in this state leads to complete mental and physical depletion. The body experiences chronic fear and stress through cortisol release which leads to sleep disturbances and memory problems and immune system deterioration. The brain functions through the process of repetition. The brain develops new neural pathways through repeated responses to life situations. The nervous system learns new safety messages whenever we demonstrate courage through any action no matter how small.
The brain maintains its ability to change its structure. Neuroplasticity enables us to create new neural pathways in our brain. The nervous system learns safety through each act of courage which demonstrates that I am protected and capable of handling situations and personal development.
The process of facing fear requires both scientific knowledge and emotional connection.
The following combination of scientifically proven and heart-based techniques helps me overcome my fear:
The process of identifying your emotions helps you gain control over them. Research conducted by neuroscientists demonstrates that when we identify our emotions the amygdala shows decreased activity. The process of writing down my fear about failure makes it seem more manageable because it transforms from an invisible cloud into a workable problem.
Step in slowly. Psychologists call this “exposure.” The process of exposure according to psychologists requires you to start with minimal steps when facing public speaking anxiety by expressing a single thought during a small group meeting.
Your physical position determines your emotional state. The nervous system finds peace through breathwork and heart-focused meditation and walking mindfully which helps the body transition from survival mode to coherence. The stabilisation of my heart rhythm allows fear to release its hold on me.
The energy of fear should be viewed as a driving force. The physical responses of anxiety and excitement match each other completely because they produce identical symptoms such as moist hands and rapid heartbeats. The main distinction emerges from the way we interpret our experiences. The fear that exists within you might actually serve as a force that drives you toward your essential priorities.
Compassion over criticism. You should treat yourself with kindness instead of self-criticism when fear arises. The brain activates safety and emotional control centers when we practice self-compassion according to neuroscience findings. I tell myself that it is normal and acceptable to experience this emotion. Moving forward becomes acceptable even when you experience fear.
From Walls to Doorways
Human nature includes fear as an integral part that cannot be completely eliminated. The power to determine your life story rests with you rather than fear.
When I hear the familiar warning to stay safe, I take a deep breath and listen to my fear with interest. Fear serves as a protective mechanism in certain situations. The majority of times fear indicates the exact spot where personal development awaits.
The practice of awareness enables us to transform fear from an obstacle into an opportunity for growth. The experience of fear transforms into a gateway which guides us toward living with both bravery and emotional depth.
“To try is to risk failure. But risk must be taken because the greatest hazard of life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, live, and love.”~Leo Buscaglia