The Secret to Conquering Fear: 5 Tips for Action

“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit at home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” – Dale Carnegie

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Have you ever had the thought: “what is it going to take for me to stop thinking about it and finally _____?”

Fill in the blank. Maybe it’s pursue your life-long dream, commit to your recovery, call a therapist, make changes to improve your relationships, strike up that difficult conversation with someone… the list goes on.

If this describes you, you’re not alone. Anyone who knows me will tell you I’ve been dreaming for 12 years about starting my own private practice to combine counseling and the outdoors. After 12 years, I’m doing it.

What was the catalyst for action? What is in that moment when the thought finally turns to behavior? For me it was spending 23 days backpacking and rock climbing in Wyoming’s Wind River Range and Sinks Canyon State Park. I took a class through the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and through daily physical and mental challenges that required action, I developed a confidence and courage that compelled me to take more risks, to spend less energy thinking and more energy doing.

Through action, we courageously face our fears. The resulting confidence can create a domino effect of exciting new challenges and risks. As Melinda Gates said, “if you live your life at the edges of your comfort zone, your world is constantly getting bigger.”

Start here: Five Tips for Taking Action on this #MotivationMonday

1. Write down your goals. Take a few intentional moments each morning to review your goals and jot down a few action steps you can take today toward those goals. People are more likely to take action if it is written down.

- Pro tip: follow SMART goals for maximum effectiveness:

o Specific—What do you want? Be specific.

o Measurable—How will you know when you’ve achieved your goal? Making it quantifiable can help.

o Attainable—Is your goal within your power and ability?

o Realistic—Is it possible for you?

o Timely –By when will you meet your goal? Give yourself a deadline.

 2. Tell a friend what you’re doing. They can cheer you on, offer inspiration and help hold you accountable. Some days, this is the very thing that helps us press on.

 3. “Left foot up, right foot up. Left hand up, right hand up.” In other words, DO SOMETHING. Act. Go somewhere. Take a risk. This was advice from my NOLS instructor gave me when I felt stuck on my climb in Sinks Canyon State Park. This experience taught me when you feel scared and aren’t sure where to go—literally or metaphorically—sometimes the best thing you can do is just MOVE. In most cases, it’s better than expending energy standing still.

4. Be flexible and compassionate. Life happens, things come up. When it does, be flexible concerning your tasks and goals without giving up. Be kind toward yourself in the process.  

5. Celebrate your progress, then keep going!

If you’re ready create positive change in your life but are wanting professional help in the Dallas area, please contact me. I’d love to help you or connect you with someone who can help. Alternatively, if you know someone is looking to create positive change, please share this with them.

Amanda Talley