Written by: Andrea Hunt, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
While some people certainly hide it better than others, fear is a natural response that can be triggered by various circumstances, experiences, and anxieties about the uncertainty of life. It can manifest in different forms, yet many people have more commonalities than people realize. For example, many people have a fear of failure and many more have a fear of success. Through self-awareness, we can begin to identify patterns and triggers that contribute to our fears and keep us stuck. In this article, we'll take a look at why EFT Tapping is a powerful tool for professionals to release fear and step outside our comfort zones bit by bit to create proof that empowers us and makes us more confident.
In the business world, new challenges and risks come up all the time, so we need to find strategies to move forward in the face of our fear and discomfort. To do that, we need to understand the root causes and types of fears.
What causes fear?
Firstly, fear is a natural response that can be triggered by many factors. For many of us, the fear of the unknown can stem from a lack of familiarity or control over a situation, making it difficult for us to predict the outcome. Our personal experiences and beliefs also play a significant role because they form our perception of risk and danger. For example, old failures can make us afraid of repeating the same mistakes or being disappointed again.
For most of us, believing in ourselves only goes as far as our ability to alleviate these fears and create new beliefs and experiences. But if we can acknowledge the underlying factors contributing to our fears, we can take proactive steps towards managing and ultimately breaking free from them.
What are the common types of fears?
In our professional lives, fear can arise from a range of situations and experiences that influence our thoughts, behaviors, and overall well-being.
Here are five common types of fears that we may experience especially in our professional lives and how they show up:
1. Fear of Failure: when we're afraid we can't achieve the desired outcome or that we might fall short of expectations. Unfortunately, since our subconscious mind wants to avoid pain, it can hinder our personal growth since we might not risk failure by trying new opportunities.
2. Fear of Success: when we're afraid that we won't be able to handle it if we achieve our goals or that we might have to sacrifice something important. We might not try for promotions because of our expanded responsibilities or people's high expectations of us. Or we might worry if we take on new challenges, we will have to give up something such as our private life or spending quality time with family.
3. Fear of Rejection: when we're afraid that striving for new goals or opportunities might cause others to not accept us. We might worry that even our family and friends would make fun of us if we tried to do something 'better' or different. It can prevent us from taking risks or expressing our true selves, leading to missed opportunities for growth.
4. Fear of Public Speaking: when we're afraid of speaking in front of a large audience and being 'seen'. Fear of public speaking can hinder career advancement and limit participation in social and professional settings.
5. Fear of Change: when we're afraid of uncertainty and discomfort that accompany unfamiliar situations. This need for predictable security can hinder our personal growth and prevent us from embracing new opportunities and keep us stuck where we're unhappy.
Understanding these types of fears is the first step toward addressing and overcoming them. By recognizing the specific fears that hold us back, we can work towards breaking free from their grip.
How to identify your fears & limiting beliefs
These kinds of fears are also directly tied to our limiting beliefs and negative self-talk and play a crucial role in keeping us emotionally trapped. These thoughts and beliefs act as protective mental barriers that hinder our ability to move forward with courage and confidence.
Here are some common limiting belief patterns that contribute to fear:
1. "I'm not good enough": This most common limiting belief undermines our self-worth and creates a fear of failure or not meeting other's expectations. Not feeling worthy and deserving keeps us from trying to get 'better' things at work and in life.
2. "I won’t be able to handle it": This common negative self-talk pattern reinforces the fear of the unknown and change. It limits us from exploring unfamiliar territories and prevents them from expanding their comfort zone.
3. "What will everyone think of me?": This belief revolves around the fear of judgment and rejection. It inhibits us from expressing our authentic selves and seeking new opportunities because we're afraid of being 'seen' and criticized.
4. "I always mess it up": This negative self-talk reinforces the fear of making mistakes. It diminishes confidence and prevents us from taking necessary steps towards challenges and personal growth that could lead to our success.
Examining the physical bodily responses to fear
When we experience fear, our bodies undergo a series of physical responses that are directly linked to our emotional state. These bodily responses are the result of a complex emotional reaction between our mind and our autonomic nervous system. Our fear creates a fight-or-flight response, which is our body's way of protecting itself from perceived danger (real or otherwise).
Understanding our physical responses to fear can help us become more aware of our emotional state. By recognizing these bodily sensations, we can validate our emotions and consciously work towards managing fear in a healthy way. Additionally, being aware of these physical manifestations allows us to engage in relaxation techniques such as EFT Tapping, which can help to calm the nervous system and mitigate the physical effects of fear.
How can EFT tapping help you overcome fear and comfort zones?
EFT Tapping, also known as Emotional Freedom Technique, is a powerful mind-body tool that combines modern psychology with ancient acupressure. EFT Tapping involves gentle tapping on specific points of the body to release negative emotions, calm the brain’s stress response and clear the emotional charge to our fears and limitations.
When we use EFT Tapping on a regular basis, we can unravel and dismantle our self-limiting beliefs to develop a growth mindset. This practice helps individuals become more fearless, allowing them to take on new challenges and expand their comfort zones.
If we treat confidence as a skill we learn gradually instead of a light switch we turn on suddenly, it can be easier to face our fears. We wouldn't go to the gym one time expecting a six-pack. It takes time, effort, and creating proof around new beliefs.
As Desmond Tutu pointed out, “there is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time."
It's not all or nothing - it's step-by-step.
Conclusion
In conclusion, by following these essential steps while working with an EFT coach—evaluating the fear, questioning it, creating proof of your capabilities, taking actionable steps, and embracing positive change—you empower yourself to boldly move ahead. With the power of your determination and the support of EFT tapping, you not only conquer your fears but also unlock your full potential, propelling your confidence forward and creating a world of exciting opportunities. Your journey to success begins here.
Want to work with me to start overcoming your fears? Schedule a free discovery with me here.
Andrea Hunt, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Andrea Hunt is an online transformational life coach & EFT Practitioner for expats and digital nomads. A US expat who's lived in 7 different countries, Andrea helps those who boldly took the road less traveled to thrive abroad with confidence. She understands the challenges of planning a move abroad, integrating into a new culture, finding new friends and social circles, rebuilding life after a job loss or breakup while living in another country. She helps you empower your mindset and erase your limiting beliefs to thrive.
