Zen Habits Podcast

S1 Ep08 - Being Confronted by Fear

Oct 4, 2023

18:44

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Learn how to confront and handle fear while working on purpose projects. Explore manifestations of fear such as procrastination and self-doubt. Practice noticing and acknowledging fear, and embrace it with self-compassion. Discover new ways of dealing with fear and the importance of embracing all emotions.

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Quick takeaways

Internal resistance and fear often arise when working on a purpose project, manifesting as procrastination, perfectionism, self-doubt, and avoidance.

When fear arises, it's crucial to notice and acknowledge its presence, sit with it, offer ourselves compassion, and make conscious choices about how we want to respond.

Deep dives

Confronting Fear and Resistance

When working on a purpose project, internal resistance and fear often arise. This resistance manifests as thoughts about not having enough time, fear of judgment, or perfectionism. These fears can hinder progress and lead to avoidance behaviors like excessive research or quitting. We often don't realize that we are being confronted by fear. It's important to notice and acknowledge the fear instead of letting it control us. By sitting with the fear, feeling it in our bodies, and offering ourselves compassion, we can choose a new way of being that is expansive and aligned with our purpose.

Introduction

3min

Confronted by Fear: Strategies and Consequences

3min

Navigating Self-Doubt and Fear

2min

Dealing with Fear

9min

Upcoming Event and Invitation to Deep Exploration

2min

When we take on a purpose project, it's inevitable that we get confronted by fear. Thing is, most people aren't aware that it's happening.

In this episode, Leo looks at how to see the fear that's confronting us, and how to work with it so it doesn't have to control us.

Topics Covered

How internal resistance and fear often arise when working on a purpose project
Common manifestations of fear include procrastination, perfectionism, self-doubt, and avoidance
How most people are not aware that they are being confronted by fear; they perceive their reactions as reasonable
How to practice noticing and acknowledging the fear when it arises
How to sit with your fear and bring self-compassion; embracing the fear as a part of being human
How to choose a more expansive way of dealing with the fear
Leo’s personal experience with confronting helplessness and the importance of embracing all emotions