"Fear less, dare more" – this is one of the quote from the Oprah Gail Winfrey’s writings. She is best known for her talk show, ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’.
This American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and media proprietor said – “Whatever you fear most has no power - it is your fear that has the power. Facing the truth really will set you free.”
Oprah's history involved a difficult childhood, but that has not kept her from living a successful life.
The Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Indian scripture, offers valuable insights on fear.
Lord Krishna explains that “Fear arises from attachment to worldly things and desires” (Bhagavad Gita-Chapter 2, Verse 56).
If we see it in a broad perspective ‘Self-realization conquers fear’. As per Bhagavad Gita – “Knowing one's true nature (Self-realization) is the ultimate solution to overcome fear “ (Chapter 2, Verse 24).
No matter what celebrities say or what spiritual books teach, fear can make a man weak. Fear is our biggest hurdle on the path of our success. It can indeed be a significant contributor to failures in various aspects of life.
Fear is not created by others. We create for ourselves. That's why famous American actor Will Smith says - "Fear is not real. It is a product of thoughts you create. Do not misunderstand me. Danger is very real. But fear is a choice".
That's why we need to have control over our mind to get rid of the troubles that fear creates. Mind control is essential. Lord Krishna teaches Arjuna that – “Controlling the mind (Chitta) is crucial to overcome fear, anxiety, and worries” (Chapter 3, Verse 42).
Fear holds us back from living our best lives. Psychiatrists say that fear is only mental weakness. They suggest us to “Face your fears with courage. Conquer with patience. Face your fears, or they will climb over your back”.
What causes fear?
Past incidents or traumas. Certain situations might have a lasting effect on how you feel about them
Learned responses from early life
Reactions and responses to panic or fear
Experiencing long-term stress
Genetic factors
Ways fear can lead to failure?
Acknowledging and addressing your fears is the first step to overcoming them and achieving success.
Holding you back: Fear can prevent you from taking risks, trying new things, and pursuing opportunities, leading to missed chances and stagnation.
Paralyzing decision-making: Fear can cause indecision, leading to missed deadlines, lost opportunities, and failure to act.
Limiting potential: Fear can make you settle for mediocrity, preventing you from reaching your full potential and achieving success.
Creating self-doubt: Fear can lead to negative self-talk, eroding confidence and self-esteem, and making it harder to achieve goals.
Procrastination: Fear can lead to procrastination, causing delays and lost productivity.
Poor relationships: Fear can lead to poor communication, trust issues, and conflict in personal and professional relationships.
Missed learning opportunities: Fear can prevent you from learning from failures and mistakes, hindering personal growth and development.
Physical and mental health issues: Chronic fear can lead to anxiety, depression, and physical health problems.
Stifling creativity: Fear can stifle creativity, innovation, and progress, leading to stagnation and failure.
Self-fulfilling prophecy: Fear can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, where your fears become a reality due to your inaction or negative mind-set.
Psychological aspects of fear
Understanding these psychological aspects of fear can help individuals develop strategies to manage and overcome fear, leading to improved mental health and well-being.
Emotional Response: Fear triggers a strong emotional response, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
Fight or Flight: Fear activates the fight-or-flight response, preparing the body to either confront or flee from the threat.
Perception and Interpretation: Fear influences how we perceive and interpret situations, often leading to biased or exaggerated assessments of danger.
Memory and Learning: Fearful experiences can be etched in memory, influencing future behaviours and decision-making.
Anxiety and Stress: Chronic fear can lead to anxiety disorders, stress, and hyper vigilance.
Avoidance Behaviours: Fear can drive avoidance behaviours, limiting exposure to perceived threats but also potentially restricting life experiences.
Social and Cultural Influences: Fear is shaped by cultural and social norms, learning, and experiences.
Neurobiological Basis: Fear is processed in the brain's amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex, involving complex neural networks.
Individual Differences: People's fear responses vary based on personality, temperament, and life experiences.
Coping Mechanisms: Effective coping strategies, such as exposure therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and relaxation techniques, can help manage fear.
Effective ways to overcome fear
Overcoming fear is a process that takes time, patience, and effort. Be gentle with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way.
Face your fears: Gradual exposure to the feared situation or object can help desensitize you.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): Identify and challenge negative thoughts, replacing them with rational ones.
Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization can calm the mind and body.
Mindfulness: Focus on the present moment, without judgment, to reduce anxiety and increase self-awareness.
Reframe perspective: Change your viewpoint on the feared situation, finding positive aspects or lessons.
Build self-confidence: Develop a growth mind-set, focusing on strengths and accomplishments.
Support system: Surround yourself with encouraging people who can offer help and guidance.
Learn to accept uncertainty: Recognize that uncertainty is a natural part of life and can't be eliminated.
Take small steps: Break down daunting tasks into manageable steps, building momentum and confidence.
Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and patience when facing fears.
Seek professional help: Consult a therapist or counsellor for personalized guidance and support.
Keep a diary: Writing down thoughts and feelings can help process and release fears.
Engage in physical activity: Regular exercise can reduce anxiety and improve mood.
Try positive self-talk: Encourage yourself with positive affirmations, replacing negative self-talk.
Develop problem-solving skills: Build resilience by learning to tackle challenges and find solutions.
How to knock down the hurdles?
Good words spoken by famous people fill us with enthusiasm. Increase courage. Removes fear. Listen and read that ‘Quote”, which inspire you to confront, overcome, and rise above fear, embracing courage and resilience in the face of challenges. Fear is inseparable from the material conception of life.
Final word is that “Focus on duty, not outcome”. This is the life lesson from the Bhagavad Gita.
“Focusing on one's duty (Swadharma) without attachment to outcomes can help overcome fear of failure or success”… (Chapter 2, Verse 47).
To overcome any fears seek refuge in the divine. Surrendering to the divine can provide solace and protection from fear.
According to Indian philosophy, spirituality is a way to increase our mental strength. But what modern science says is that it is necessary to consult a doctor or a professional (Psychiatrist or Psychology counsellor) to get rid of phobias like fear and anxiety which are becoming an obstacle to our survival.