A Class Act

Today's challenge: 

Teach a class. What’s something that you’re uniquely great at and could teach a class on? Write the tutorial in a blog post. Bonus points for images, links to resources, and video.

I am good at "technical writing", at writing instructions. That should help. I have learned how to overcome fears. So I'll have a go at a tutorial on overcoming fears.

1. Define the fear. Is it fear of heights? Of the dark? Of a haunted house? This step is usually simple, but sometimes the fear is hard to define. In that case, ask yourself questions until you get to it, until you feel it in your gut. (I apologize for the lack of detail in this post. It could really take a book.)

2. Ask yourself why you fear this thing. Because you might die if you fall down a steep height? Because you might bump into things in the dark or be accosted in the dark? What is it specifically that you fear?

3. Now challenge yourself. What are the chances that your fear will be realized? How likely is it that you will fall over that balcony or be shot by an intruder in the dark? What is the more likely situation? If the worst is to come then what would be the result? You will die? You will be embarrassed?  And if you die what then? No more fear. Consider the likelihood question seriously. What is the real risk? You are likely to discover that there may be certain situations that are dangerous but that in general there is little likelihood of a bad outcome if you engage in the activity.

4. Do the activity. But don't just do it. While you are standing on that balcony, continuously challenge your fears. Every time you face a fear challenge it. Don't just let it be. In time you will discover that your inner voice will be less afraid. It may happen quickly or it may take some time. Some people need help and ask a trusting person to help them through this. Many therapists, I have discovered, use a similar method, going with their clients to the source of the fear and challenging it and helping the client learn that they will not die.

Admittedly, this is a really short version of the method. But trust me, if you try it you'll find it works. Please ask me questions if you have any. I'd love to answer them.


This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J