It’s common to either experience anxiety or know of someone who deals with it. Many times, these feelings come from fear. Fear about what will happen, fear about what people think of us, fear we’re going to make a mistake. Even if it’s not an ongoing clinical problem or debilitating enough to be diagnosed, most of us have experienced fear-induced anxiety at some point in our lives. 

Maybe there was a time you were scared when waiting for a test result or when you had to have a tough conversation at work and your job was on the line. We are often paralyzed with distress when we think about making a change and what bad things could happen if we do. When you sit around and ponder the “what ifs” the negative things that can come from taking a risk, your thoughts can turn simple hesitations into full-blown nightmares.

So, what does it mean to live fearlessly then? Here are some ideas.

You don’t concern yourself with what other people are thinking or doing. We are so intertwined with our friends and families (and sometimes even strangers through social media,) that it’s easy to be wrapped up in what’s going on with them and if they accept what we’re up to. To live fearlessly, the key is to get to a place where you’re not concerned about other people’s opinions. Everyone has opinions about certain topics, but to live unapologetically in the truth of your reality takes some practice. It’s important to grow this skill and work on being neutral to others’ negativity.

Ask yourself- how likely are these bad things to happen? What’s the cost of staying where you are and not taking that risk? It comes down to basic risk vs. reward. But, to live fearlessly means taking that leap, making that change, and having faith in yourself that you can face anything. 

Work on being your own source of security. Fill yourself with positive intention and goodness. Put that out into the world and be the person who helps other people relax and feel that safety you’re seeking. This leads to building better relationships and more positive daily interactions too.

It’s important to stay connected to other people and have a plan for what you’re going to do when you do start to feel afraid or anxious. Maybe you’ll plan to call a certain supportive friend or avoid social media that day. What’s important is to look for ways to stay calm and collected and seek out supportive people, places, and things that help foster that within yourself. 

When you live fearlessly, you can encourage the changes you would like to see in our world more. It makes you bolder and more mindful. You’ll be more centered in your heart. You’ll feel more in control of yourself and your destiny.