Assessing Your Fears When Taking a Leap

Having the courage to break free from comfort zones and take a new path can be daunting. Even the most prepared individual can get overwhelmed by the feeling of uncertainty that follows this decision. But making such a leap is often necessary for personal growth. If you have recently decided to leave the safety of familiarity, especially because you are scared, it is vital to pause and assess how much of what you feel is actually fear and how much of it is truly a justified reaction.

Fear and anxiety are essential tools that your body uses to keep you safe, so they should not be disregarded or discounted. Differentiated from a real survival threat, however, these feelings can also be created to protect an emotional state or mindset that our belief system holds dear. It is often easier for individuals to stay within their comfort zone and even become accustomed to certain sources of pain, discomfort and insecurity then to face the unknown.

When making a life-altering decision, you should remember that people rarely regret taking a risk, but will often regret deciding to stay in an unfulfilling and stressful situation. You must reflect on whether or not your decision to leave is rooted in the fear of letting go of something or “fear of the fear” itself. Fear of the fear refers to the fear of the unknown that comes with taking a risk, while fear of letting go involves the dread of being without something familiar.

No matter how frightening it may seem, know that it is better to take a leap of faith and explore a new world rather than staying in an environment that no longer serves you. Understand that breaking free from anything that confines you is difficult and perhaps the scariest thing of all. This bravery is not measured by others, but by your own capacity to overcome your inner struggles and doubts.

It is natural to anticipate every risk to your physical or emotional wellbeing as a potential cause for failure. That is why it is important to define what success means for you personally and to focus on that rather than the need to meet someone else’s expectations. Consider the joyous and freeing feeling of conquering something or reaching a goal that seemed too far away. Every step you take beyond your comfort zone is a step towards greatness.

Symbolically, the sun is our representation of new beginnings and fresh starts. While a ray of sunshine will not necessarily make all of your fears disappear, new beginnings will bring about a change of perspective and perspective is everything. The strongest courage you will ever possess is embedded in your willingness to adjust your attitude and to create your own vision of success.

Take a deep breath in and let yourself wander in the possibilities that unfold before you. Become aware that it is acceptable to feel scared but to always look at the brighter side of things. Remember that neither fear nor hope can help you to achieve success, but they can both weaken or strengthen your resolve. Approach the journey of facing life’s fears on a one day at a time basis if needs be. Break it down into achievable tasks, rewards and milestones and don’t forget to appreciate every small accomplishment along the way.

Know that you have courage beyond measure. Having the strength to reassess your current state will help you to make a sound decision and eventually find relief. You left your comfort zone because you are scared, and now it’s time to open yourself up to new and exciting opportunities. Celebrate your bravery and the enjoyment that awaits you.