How to face new situations without fear

When my clients consider new opportunities, I’ve seen them struggle with fear and anxiety. Our brains are negatively wired to keep us safe, so we quite naturally choose to consider these first. It could be a new job, relationship, moving or trying something new like a sport or hobby. The emotional response to fear is quicker and stronger than positive thought and emotion.

Until you train your mind to be aware and balance this response, many clients beat themselves up for not doing new things and responding only to fear. Once you discovered how to get into the groove of a better mindset, facing new situations can be an incredible times of growth and increased confidence. One of the tools you can use to almost override the fear of the unknown completely is switching to another part of your brain -  to use your sense of wonder. 

What is Wonder?

Wonder is a state of being in awe and curiosity about the world around us. It’s the feeling you get when you experience something new or do something for the first time. (Pause and think about the last time that happened to you. Was it Wonder that you felt?) When we approach new situations with wonder, we’re open to the possibility of learning and can see the world with new eyes.

Why Use Wonder?

If our approach to new situations is only fear, it closes off growth and an increased capacity to accomplish more. Fear can prevent us from taking risks, and stepping outside our comfort zones. And the magic of life mostly happens outside the comfort zone!

When you choose to use wonder, you’ll likely ask questions, explore new concepts, and learn from mistakes. Fear is being stuck. Wonder is curious and moving forward. This is more likely to increase your mental strength and life satisfaction.

How?

If you shift your mindset to include a sense of wonder, your approach is more balanced. By staying in the moment, asking questions, and accepting that all life is uncertain, your outcomes and decisions will improve. Of course, risks need to be weighed, and then you can ask yourself, “What would be the best possible outcomes?" Use your imagination to be in that best situation. How does it feel? What would it take to get there? Does it align with your values? 

In conclusion, my clients have found approaching situations with wonder means an open-mindedness where preconceived notions don’t dominate. They don’t stay in thinking that is stuck. Excitement and possibility are much more agreeable states than fear and overwhelm. This is a very useful way to replace fear with more balanced and improved decision-making.