Overcoming Your Fear Before It Overtakes You

So one time, I jumped out of an airplane. Yup. I got in an airplane with the sole intention of jumping out. 

For the sake of full disclosure, I do feel the need to tell you I was strapped to a man who was strapped to a parachute. So really, all went as planned on my skydiving adventure. 

What I did realize as people were telling me how crazy I was, though, is that the entire process can be transferred to any situation in which I ever feel fearful.

Step 1: Just Say Yes

As we make our mark in the real world, we’re going to be put in situations and given opportunities that scare us. I read once that if something scares you, it’s probably a good thing to try. Even if the opportunity doesn't turn out how you planned, that can be counted as one more time that you overcame your fear (go you!).

Step 2: Be Prepared

I jumped out of an airplane with every possible safety net (you know..besides not jumping out of the plane). I was strapped to a trained professional. He was strapped to a parachute. I like to tell myself there was a backup parachute, but I guess that can’t be confirmed. Part of overcoming the fear involves easing your mind with plenty of preparation. 

Step 3: Let Go of Control

Again, I was strapped to a trained professional. So if we’re being honest, I really didn’t jump out of anything. I had to let the professional completely handle the situation. It was out of my control. For most people (I’m definitely part of this ‘most’), this is the hardest part of a fearful situation. Whether it’s trusting other humans, trusting a system, or putting your trust solely in God, at times we just have to let go of control and trust.

Step 4: Cherish the Moments

Fear sucks. I won’t lie. But overcoming fear is far more beautiful than fear itself is ugly. Take the time to feel the fear, but—more importantly—take the time to feel the pride of overcoming that fear. Recognize your growth, and don’t be a afraid to toot your own horn!

Let’s be real for a minute. Raise your hand (or comment below) if you’ve ever been afraid. We’re twenty-something millennials who sometimes the world has no hope for. We pretty much have no clue what we’re doing, and we’re striving for experience any way we can get it. Pretty scary stuff if you ask me.

Fear can be debilitating. It can be an earth-shattering, nerve-wracking, frozen-in-your-tracks feeling. And that’s normal—healthy even! 

But we can’t live behind that fear. At least, we can’t live behind that fear if we want to go anywhere in life.

So when life gets scary, let’s just try to remember…one time, I jumped out of an airplane.