How to Overcome Your Biggest Fears
Fear is a natural part of life and can be very helpful when it cautions us about something that might be dangerous. However, when it gets out of control and stops you from doing the things you love, it can be debilitating.
Whether you’re on a quest for self-improvement, finding your passion, or trying to reach your goals, fear can keep you from success. That’s why it’s important to recognize the biggest fears in your life, break them down and find ways to overcome them.
Christian Grevin, a Political Science and History Major and Wilkinson College Undergraduate Research Fellow in the Henley Lab and Babbie Center, worked with students to compile a list of America’s 10 biggest fears. These 10 fears vary in their scope and magnitude and can be categorized as either concrete or abstract concerns. Concrete fears are ones that you can easily put a finger on and have a good chance of happening. The most common are worries about being the victim of a mass shooting, terrorism, or losing your job.
On the other hand, abstract fears are more intangible and can’t be physically pinned down. These can include fears of the apocalypse, alien invasion from Mars or global economic collapse. These fears are more difficult to combat because they have a tendency to be more prevalent in the media and in your daily life. However, it is possible to take steps towards overcoming these fears, such as creating an emergency savings account or updating your resume, even when the economy may be looking bad.
Water: This might seem like a no-brainer, but we were surprised to see that so many people have a big fear of water. It might be because they are afraid of drowning or they might not be comfortable with being in the water. This is why it’s important to practice and get used to water. It might also help to talk about it with a family member or friend and find out what their biggest fears are so that you can support them and offer advice.
Public Speaking: Everyone has to speak in front of people at some point, whether it’s a work presentation or a dinner toast. But being uncomfortable or scared of speaking in public can really hold you back. It’s important to face your fears and learn how to overcome them so that you can share your voice.
Claustrophobia: For those who are claustrophobic, it can be scary to think about being in a small space. This can include elevators, packed tubes and other tight situations. This is one of the most common phobias that people suffer from.
Emetophobia: It’s not as uncommon as you might think to be afraid of vomit. This might be because we all remember the one kid in elementary school who always seemed to puke.
The biggest fear of all is fear of failure. This could be due to a lack of confidence or a fear of not meeting expectations. This is why it’s important to try and be confident in what you’re doing and remember that you can always learn from your mistakes.