Fear Or Courage? Which One Wins?
David A. Caren
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Train Your Brain to Face Your Fears
'Living a life that doesn't set your soul on fire is a big risk.' - Jenn Drummond
Imagine standing at the edge of a cliff, ready to dive into the water below. Your heart races, your palms sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy, and every survival mechanism in your mind screams, "Don't do it!"
That's Fear.
But you take the leap anyway. As you hit the water, you feel an exhilarating rush – that's dopamine in action. The next time you face a similar situation, your brain remembers that rush and encourages you to jump again.
The experience alone sends chills down our spines and stops us dead in our tracks. For many high-achieving professionals, deep-rooted fears can become an invisible barrier, holding us back from reaching our true potential, often not even knowing why.
What if I told you that facing your fears isn't just about having courage?
What if I told you, there was a way to literally rewire your brain to actually ENJOY facing your fears?
Fear Is A Reaction. Your Next Action Is A Choice.
When you choose to move towards your fear, something incredible happens: you're rewarded with a hit of dopamine. This happy neurochemical floods your brain, making you feel good. And in feeling good, you'll be motivated to do it again.
This is how your brain works – it craves pleasure and avoids pain. By repeatedly doing things, either finding and facing your fears, or avoiding them and running away, you start to associate whichever actions you take with good feelings. This makes your brain over time want to do more of the things that you are already familiar with and that bring that rush of dopamine.
With repetition, your brain will build neural pathways around this habit. It's like carving a new trail through a dense forest. The more you walk it, the clearer and easier it becomes. Over time, this practice becomes automated, and will make you unstoppable. You'll start to associate facing fears with the feel good rush, then they become a challenge to overcome instead of something holding you back from achieving what you want.
Pain/Pleasure Principle of the Brain
The pain/pleasure principle is a fundamental concept in neuroscience and psychology, stating that human behavior is driven by the desire to avoid pain and seek pleasure. This principle governs our decisions and actions, as the brain is wired to maximize positive experiences and minimize negative ones. When faced with a decision, the brain evaluates potential outcomes, opting for those that promise pleasure or reward while steering clear of those associated with pain or discomfort.
Repetition & Familiarity: Why The Brain Prefers Efficiency
When we're faced with something NEW, the brain has to process more to determine if we're safe or not, which takes up a TREMENDOUS amount of mental and emotional resources. Think of how difficult it was when you first started learning how to drive.
The more often we do something, the less mental & emotional resources it takes, because it becomes automated (good or bad for you). Think of how you can get lost in thought and not even remember the drive home.
The brain loves repetition and familiarity because they allow it to conserve resources and operate more efficiently. When we repeatedly perform an activity, our brain forms neural pathways that make the task easier and quicker to execute. This process, known as neuroplasticity, enables us to become proficient at routine tasks with minimal effort. Familiarity reduces the cognitive load, as the brain doesn't have to work as hard to process known information or actions. By using less energy, the brain can allocate resources to more complex and new challenges, enhancing overall cognitive efficiency and performance.
The Science Behind Facing Your Fears
Research has shown that confronting fears can significantly reduce anxiety and build resilience. Each time you face a fear and come out safe, your brain reinforces the belief that you can handle it. This process, known as exposure therapy, is a cornerstone of some psychological treatments for anxiety and phobias.
Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, plays a key role here. By consistently facing your fears, you're effectively rewiring your brain. This not only reduces the power fear has over you but also enhances your overall mental resilience. AND, it trains your brain to FEEL GOOD facing the next fear you have.
Practical Steps to Train Your Brain
Conclusion
If you're not living your life to the fullest, chances are some fear is holding you back. Find it, face it, FLY!
By training your brain to face your fears, you open up a world of possibilities. You become more resilient, more confident, and more unstoppable. Remember, fear is just a signal that you're about to grow. Embrace it, and watch your life transform.
'Living a life that doesn't set your soul on fire is a big risk.'
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Emotional Optimization Coach™ | Master Hypnotherapist & Author
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4moFear of seeing someone succeeding & having a brighter future.
Writer, editor and artist
4moI have felt this and, quite frankly, lived this. You’ve written a concise description of how it works. And I can attest to the fact that getting to the other side of one’s fears is real living.