Fear is the most significant obstruction to success. Fear is a consistent companion if you're attempting to expand as well as achieve new things. Effective leaders are those that manage fear most successfully. Those that manage concern poorly are frequently the least effective. Discovering how to press past fear is a beneficial skill that considerably raises your odds of success.

One thing to note about fear is that almost all fear is learned. Human beings are born with only two fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. Every other fear you have is acquired based on some experience. The fear is real, but the underlying basis for the fear may not be.

For example, there is a basis for having a fear of a bear in the woods. You know that a bear can cause great bodily harm or even death. The fear of bears is a fear well-founded. On the other hand, a fear o public speaking (which is the number one fear that most people have) is not founded on something that is “real.”

In the case of public speaking, the fear has a foundation on an expectation. The expectation is what appears to a person as being real. There could be the expectation that people will not be receptive to the message or that they will somehow “mess up” in delivering the speech. The expectation then creates a feeling. The feeling could be hurt or embarrassment. As you can see, these expectations are not real; they are made up.

However, they appear as real to you! So, you may ask yourself how do I get rid of the fear?  Since fear is always going to be present in many situations, consider a better question is, how do I act in the face of fear?

Here are some things to keep in mind to allow you to act in the face of fear:

1. Manage your thoughts. You can think of anything you want. Your thoughts are the one thing that you have complete control over. Controlling your thoughts is not automatic. You have to make a conscious effort to control your thoughts. Developing the discipline to control your thoughts take practice.

Observe when you are having negative thoughts are thoughts based on fear. When you distinguish negative thoughts, then you can consciously create new thoughts.

2. Consider the best. Consider when you are in the midst of fear you are thinking about a worst-case scenario. There are advantages or pros in considering the worst-case scenario. However, when the worst-case scenario is keeping you from taking action, you have to distinguish is the worst-case scenario real or made up.

Ask yourself if you can handle the worst-case scenario. If you tell yourself you cannot handle it, then ask yourself why.  Keep in mind that the worst-case scenario is “made-up.” It is something that “could” happen, but not something that will definitely happen.

Then, consider the best-case scenario. This scenario is also "made-up." Since both scenarios are "made up", you get to chose which one you will focus on.

Elevate the level of your assumptions. Your fear will be neutralized if you anticipate something positive to occur. Create a future that you find amazing as well as visualize your fear away.

3. Breathe. Focus on your breath and relax your mind. Your mind will undoubtedly take fact as well as fiction and run wild with it. Concentrating on your breathing will relax your mind and reduce stress.  This will allow you to have clearer thinking.

4. Obtain guidance. Talk with a friend or an advisor. Be choosy! Several of your family and friends are extra supportive than others. Avoid negative thinking people as they will drag you down to their level. Choose someone who recognizes your abilities and will hold you accountable.

5. Make a list of the benefits of taking action. Produce a list of the favorable outcomes that might arise from being courageous. This list may provide you with the encouragement to move forward. 

The bottom line in overcoming fear is to be courageous. Courage could not exist without fear! Courage is acting in the face of fear. Consider that courage is a way of being that you can create every day.  Be courageous to have the necessary conversations, to take the actions that are necessary for you to reach your goals.

Fear is a self-imposed obstruction on the path to progress. Develop the ability to manage concerns suitably, be courageous, and then move forward in every facet of life.