Have you ever known anyone that has a fear of flying, strangers, or any kind of animal? I am referring to phobias of which can have a definite deterrent in you moving forward in business or enjoying life. I am not a psychotherapist by any stretch; however, I will share my observation and personal experience that can help. These phobias have their inception while we were children, for one reason or another, but sometimes we acquire some of these fears as adults. I have personally known people that have a debilitating fear of flying, and you can well imagine how this would jeopardize their job if they refused to fly when required in their employment description. Is there anything we can do to mitigate or eliminate this fear?
I can share with you what has been done as a self-help strategy short of therapy. To overcome the irrational fears is to face them head on in small increments without being overwhelmed. The first step, expose yourself by seeing pictures of airplanes, and progressively move to watching movies. Additionally, you can drive to the airport and back home, just to get a feeling of where you are emotionally. If it is manageable, how about packing a luggage and go to the airport as if you are taking a real trip. Incidentally, if you feel up to it, stay there for a while as you see going and incoming aircraft, and when you feel you have conquered each increment, take a noticeably short flight. The strategy can also be applied in meeting strangers in business. I would start by thinking in terms of so-called stranger as someone that have the same common concerns, the same struggles and if we go far back enough, we are all related, there is propinquity or kinship between us. And try to get to know that individual indirectly by consulting those that know him, furthermore, you can also drive to his office building, if your emotions allow it, go inside, and spend some time there. It is a matter of acclimating yourself progressively to the point that it alleviates the eventual face to face anxiety. Another "irrational" fear is of animals, for the sake of our discussion, a dog. Of course, if it is a snarling rottweiler, I would be the first to high tail it out of there, but we are addressing unreasonable apprehension of a dog. A plan of action can be employed to overcome our fear by the above-mentioned strategy. Whatever, your fears may be, try this self-help approach, and there is nothing wrong to seek professional assistance if necessary. The main thing is, keep moving forward since time is linear.
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June 2024
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