I was recently interviewed by Tanisha Marshall of Keeping it Real Radio about how I discovered raw, eliminated my symptoms of MS and followed my passion. The interview is all about recognizing unhealthy fear and taking steps to overcome it.
Overcoming Fear.
by Rebecca Carlson
Purely Delicious® Raw Lifestyle Magazine
1. Don't worry if you don’t have all of the pieces of the puzzle in place.
Be confident and open to ways that your needs will be met along your journey. Just start.
2. Gather a circle of 3-4 close friends or family members, but look for these traits:
- Do you trust them completely?
- Are they kind, positive and truthful? (they’ll tell you the spinach is in your teeth but won’t embarrass you about it)
- Don’t include “half-empty” thinkers.
- Are they someone you respect and admire?
3. Contact your group one at a time and begin to tell them your dream. (only a rough outline)
If they shoot you down, they are out! The important thing is to start speaking your dreams... in the act of doing this you are beginning a sequence of events. You will be amazed how this one step starts things in motion.
4. Get at the root of where your fears are coming from.
Are they rational? (There is a bear chasing me).
Or are they irrational? (What if I make a mistake? What if people don’t like what I have to offer? etc.)
5. Take one little step.
It doesn’t have to be anything major. For example if you have been dreaming of going back to school, call and have them send you a brochure.
6. Write up an “I’d like to do this before I die” list.
Sounds kind of silly but write up a list of 100 or so things to do...from places you’d like to visit, to foods you’d like to try, to people you’d love to meet, etc. Have fun! Then pick one and don’t be surprised when you sign up for that belly dancing class! Fall in love with your life again.
7. Journal, blog or write.
It’s a great way to say what’s on your mind, get things off your chest, develop ideas and work through emotions. It doesn’t have to be public - do what makes you feel comfortable. There is power in the written word.
8. When you do decide to act, realize that fear and doubt are NORMAL... everyone feels it, not just you.
But the people who succeed ignore it and push right through it. Remember you have three options when faced with fear: turn around, stand still, or take a step forward. You don’t climb a mountain in one step, but you have to take a step to climb one.
9. If you are confused about your next step, are in a job you dislike or are staying there only for the paycheck...
Make a list of everything you have ever hated about a job: smelly office, long commute, no window, etc. Then on a separate sheet of paper list everything you have ever loved about any job: a respectful boss, great pay, fun co-workers, chance to write, etc. Then put them side-by-side and circle the top five from each list. Now on a fresh piece of paper write in big letters along the top: MY LIST OF DEMANDS! Now rank every job you have ever held based on this list awarding or subtracting 10 points for negative and positive answers. When I was at my happiest and did my best work the score was in the 90% range. But when I was miserable at a job it rarely scored above a dismal 50%. You can use this list technique to judge your current situation and any new prospective opportunities.
10. Never give up.
I used to play beach volleyball in a men’s doubles league. The guys used to try to intimidate and frustrate me... but I had a secret weapon... a hat. At each timeout I would take off the visor and read what was written along the inside of the hat, it said “NEVER GIVE UP. NEVER GIVE UP. NEVER GIVE UP” Remind yourself that giving up equals defeat but worse than losing is never trying. Fear of failure, success or what others might think about you amounts to wasted emotion, energy and time.
11. If you are in a bad situation, there is hope.
12. Try not to trash talk (yourself or others).
There is an old quote that says “Whether you think you can or can’t you are right.” If anyone is worth taking a chance on, it’s you.
©2009 Rebecca Carlson, Purely Delicious Magazine. May be republished with full credit and a link to http://www.PurelyDelicious.net. You are invited to listen to Rebecca speak on this subject at Keeping It Real Radio with Tanisha Marshall:
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