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5 Ways to Overcome Fear So You Can Live a Successful and Abundant Life

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overcoming fears

Fear is such an ugly critter isn’t it? We’re afraid of too many things: Spiders, heights, the dark and change. Oh how terrified we are of change. We talk about it and think about it but we rarely act on it. How often has this happened to you? You want to switch jobs or careers but you’re too afraid to move forward with that idea.

You want to move to a new area or a new town but you’re too afraid to take the leap. You want to go to the single’s bar but you’re too afraid to go alone.

I’m sure you’ve heard the quote “your life is on the other side of fear.” Read it again, let it sink in, and believe it because it’s true. Fear has taken up so much of your time and life already, or should I say, the existence you call life now. Although this may be a tad harsh, you know what I mean. You’re doing nothing more than flatlining right now because fear has stopped you from doing all the things you really want to do. One of abundance, joy, love, freedom and success.

I remember back in 2013 when I walked out of my relationship without two cents to my name, and fear had been a powerful force in preventing me from leaving. One day I realized that I couldn’t live that life of lies anymore and no matter what, I had to face fear and leave. It was absolutely terrifying for me but I had no choice. I was tired of just existing. Life had more to offer me, and I was denying myself of the wonders because of fear.

One year after that, I realize I was tired of my 25+ year  hairstyling career and wanted a freelancer life where I could work from anywhere in the world and inspire people along the way. I wanted more abundance, success and freedom. Once I faced my fear, I got all three and then some.

Do you struggle with ways to overcome fear and just end up stuck in its gripping hold? Here are 5 of my simple ways to overcome fear:

1. Take a big deep breath

Anxiety is usually the first emotion you will feel when fear rears its ugly head. Before you get all freaked out about what you are about to do, whatever leap that may be, take a big deep breath and calm your nerves. If you know you have to do something on a particular day and you are terrified about the event, try meditating first thing in the morning. A guided Chakra clearing meditation always works wonders for me. Afterwards, go knock ‘em dead!

2. Positive self talk

Instead of talking yourself out of the act, talk yourself into it. Remind yourself that you can do anything and you can handle whatever happens, good or bad. You must repeatedly affirm to yourself that you are brave, you got this and everything will turn out exactly the way it’s supposed to. Keep talking to yourself until you finally believe what you are saying. Trust me, you’ll get there.

“Our self-respect tracks our choices. Every time we act in harmony with our authentic self and our heart, we earn our respect. It is that simple. Every choice matters.” – Dan Coppersmith

3. Reward yourself

Who doesn’t love rewards? Tell yourself that once you complete this task, you will treat yourself to something awesome, even if it’s just a treat from Dairy Queen, as a reward for facing and overcoming this big fear. Is ice cream not your thing? Take yourself out for dinner or go buy those shoes you’ve had your eye on for the last 6 months. No matter what it is, pick something! When we know there is going to be a treat waiting for us at the end of something that is tough do it, we have more determination to make it happen.

4. Picture yourself

Happy and freaking out because you overcame a fear and you did it! Imagine yourself in the state of euphoria you will feel. Also, imagine the great things that are on their way to you because of what you just did. When you think of the thing that fears you most, also think of how you will feel after it’s over with!

“I always teach myself calm and visualization stuff.” – Conor McGregor

5. Great stories

You will have fantastic stories to tell once you overcome this fear. Let’s say one of your fears was to overhaul your entire life, change jobs, city, countries even, and then you finally flick fear away and do it. Imagine all the inspiring stories you will have to tell to others who maybe would love to do the same but are too afraid to do it. You can be the source of great inspiration for others.

When fear grips us and won’t let go, it’s just easier to stay there then to face it, conquer it and forge ahead but remember one very important thing: nothing changes if nothing changes. If you continuously let fear keep that hold on you, your life will never get better and you will never enjoy the abundance, success and freedom you deserve. Look fear straight in the eye today and declare “Not today Satan! Not today!

How do you overcome your fears? Let us know in the comments below!

Image courtesy of Twenty20.com

Iva is a retired hairstylist turned freelancer from Ontario Canada living a life of freedom and joy in Guatemala. Her two main goals in life are to inspire people around the world with her blogs and to feed hungry little bellies in the poor town she now calls home.

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Success Advice

Why One-Size-Fits-All Leadership Will Always Fail (and What Works Instead)

The surprising truth about leadership styles that can make or break your team’s success.

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Why one-size-fits-all leadership doesn’t work
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The Leadership Shift Every Company Needs in 2025

Struggling to keep your team engaged? Here’s how leaders can turn frustrated employees into loyal advocates.

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Bridging the gap between employees and employers
Image Credit: Midjourney

In workplaces around the world, there’s a growing gap between employers and employees and between superiors and their teams. It’s a common refrain: “People don’t leave companies, they leave bad bosses.”

While there are, of course, cases where management could do better, this isn’t just a “bad boss” problem. The relationship between leaders and employees is complex. Instead of assigning blame, we should explore practical solutions to build stronger, healthier workplaces where everyone thrives.

Why This Gap Exists

Every workplace needs someone to guide, supervise, and provide feedback. That’s essential for productivity and performance. But because there are usually far more employees than managers, dissatisfaction, fair or not, spreads quickly.

What if, instead of focusing on blame, we focused on building trust, empathy, and communication? This is where modern leadership and human-centered management can make a difference.

Tools and Techniques to Bridge the Gap

Here are proven strategies leaders and employees can use to foster stronger relationships and create a workplace where people actually want to stay.

1. Practice Mutual Empathy

Both managers and employees need to recognize they are ultimately on the same team. Leaders have to balance people and performance, and often face intense pressure to hit targets. Employees who understand this reality are more likely to cooperate and problem-solve collaboratively.

2. Maintain Professional Boundaries

Superiors should separate personal issues from professional decision-making. Consistency, fairness, and integrity build trust, and trust is the foundation of a motivated team.

3. Follow the Golden Rule

Treat people how you would like to be treated. This simple principle encourages compassion and respect, two qualities every effective leader must demonstrate.

4. Avoid Micromanagement

Micromanaging stifles creativity and damages morale. Great leaders see themselves as partners, not just bosses, and treat their teams as collaborators working toward a shared goal.

5. Empower Employees to Grow

Empowerment means giving employees responsibility that matches their capacity, and then trusting them to deliver. Encourage them to take calculated risks, learn from mistakes, and problem-solve independently. If something goes wrong, turn it into a learning opportunity, not a reprimand.

6. Communicate in All Directions

Communication shouldn’t just be top-down. Invite feedback, create open channels for suggestions, and genuinely listen to what your people have to say. Healthy upward communication closes gaps before they become conflicts.

7. Overcome Insecurities

Many leaders secretly fear being outshone by younger, more tech-savvy employees. Instead of resisting, embrace the chance to learn from them. Humility earns respect and helps the team innovate faster.

8. Invest in Coaching and Mentorship

True leaders grow other leaders. Provide mentorship, career guidance, and stretch opportunities so employees can develop new skills. Leadership is learned through experience, but guided experience is even more powerful.

9. Eliminate Favoritism

Avoid cliques and office politics. Decisions should be based on facts and fairness, not gossip. Objective, transparent decision-making builds credibility.

10. Recognize Efforts Promptly

Recognition often matters more than rewards. Publicly appreciate employees’ contributions and do so consistently and fairly. A timely “thank you” can be more motivating than a quarterly bonus.

11. Conduct Thoughtful Exit Interviews

When employees leave, treat it as an opportunity to learn. Keep interviews confidential and use the insights to improve management practices and culture.

12. Provide Leadership Development

Train managers to lead, not just supervise. Leadership development programs help shift mindsets from “command and control” to “coach and empower.” This transformation has a direct impact on morale and retention.

13. Adopt Soft Leadership Principles

Today’s workforce, largely millennials and Gen Z, value collaboration over hierarchy. Soft leadership focuses on partnership, mutual respect, and shared purpose, rather than rigid top-down control.

The Bigger Picture: HR’s Role

Mercer’s global research highlights five key priorities for organizations:

  • Build diverse talent pipelines

  • Embrace flexible work models

  • Design compelling career paths

  • Simplify HR processes

  • Redefine the value HR brings

The challenge? Employers and employees often view these priorities differently. Bridging that perception gap is just as important as bridging the relational gap between leaders and staff.

Treat Employees Like Associates, Not Just Staff

When you treat employees like partners, they bring their best selves to work. HR leaders must develop strategies to keep talent engaged, empowered, and prepared for the future.

Organizational success starts with people, always. Build the relationship with your team first, and the results will follow.

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Entrepreneurs

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