If you know me, I tell you to face your fears often. Today, I'm going to tell you why it's important to face your fears and how to actually do it the right way. Facing our fears can be a daunting task, but it's an essential step towards personal growth and overcoming anxiety and OCD. I'm not just going to show you what to do and what not to do. So, let's get started.

When we avoid our fears, we allow them to control us, and they become more powerful. However, when we face them, we take control of our lives and become stronger. When most face a fear, they tend to miss the mark. They're on the right track, but maybe aren't aiming high enough. Have you thrown a basketball directly at the rim? It typically doesn't go in. Just like in basketball, we aim above the rim to make a basket. Essentially, aim high. Exposure therapy involves gradually facing our fears and responding to them in a whole new way. It can help reduce anxiety and increase feelings of control and confidence. By facing our fears, we also learn that our fears are often irrational and unfounded. We may have developed these fears because of past experiences or because of our upbringing. However, once we face our fears, we realize that they are not as scary or dangerous as we once thought. This knowledge can help us overcome our fears and find the courage to face other challenges in life.

Choosing the right exposures

Choosing the right exposures is critical when facing our fears. It's essential to choose exposures that are challenging but not overwhelming. If the exposure is too difficult, it can lead to increased anxiety and avoidance. However, if the exposure is too easy, it may not provide the necessary challenge to overcome our fears. It's also important to choose exposures that are relevant to our specific fears. For example, if we have a fear of public speaking, we could start with small speaking engagements, such as speaking in front of a small group of friends. But it's not just about facing a fear. It's responding to it in a whole new way. We're teaching the brain that you are confident by taking any threat it produces and answering it with a "maybe, maybe not." Will they judge me? "maybe, maybe not." Will I forget my lines? "maybe, maybe not." I'm choosing to go with the flow and respond to those dangers I can actually see.

Once we become comfortable with this exposure, we can gradually increase the difficulty. such as speaking in front of a larger audience. Using an analogy can also be helpful when choosing the right exposures. For example, just like lifting weights, exposure therapy often uses gradual increases in difficulty to build strength and resilience. We don't start lifting heavy weights immediately, but we start with lighter weights and gradually increase the weight over time. Similarly, when facing our fears, we start with small exposures and gradually increase the difficulty over time.

I know what you're thinking...speaking in front of people is nothing. Mine is about hurting people, going to jail, and major stuff. Guess what? Exposures still work great for you. Wait! I have to hurt people. no no no no. We don't do anything that breaks the law, or hurts someone or ourselves. But you may think you're in a position where you could and trust that you won't.

Where to start with treatment facing a fear

A good place to start is to write down all the triggers and rank them from easiest to hardest. Start facing the triggers one by one until they become boring. Also practicing not doing the compulsions and having the correct "I don't care" responses.

When we face our fears, we are retraining our brain to respond differently to fear. Our brains are wired to avoid danger and keep us safe, but sometimes those instincts can be misdirected, leading to irrational fears and anxieties. When we face our fears, we teach our brains that the things we fear are not as dangerous as we once thought. This new learning can help us overcome our fears and reduce anxiety. Exposure therapy also teaches us that we can tolerate anxiety and that we have the skills to manage it effectively.

Unfortunately, many people do not face their fears in the right way. Some people avoid their fears altogether, which can lead to increased anxiety and reduced quality of life. Others face their fears in the wrong way, such as by exposing themselves to their fears too quickly or without proper support. Or they face the fear, but not learn from it. They are doing it to just get through the moment. It's also important to note that recovery from anxiety does not mean the complete absence of anxiety. Many people have the wrong idea of what recovery looks like and believe that they should be completely anxiety-free. However, anxiety is a natural part of life.

Facing our fears can be challenging, but it's an essential step towards personal growth and overcoming anxiety. If you're struggling with anxiety and OCD, take a look at my online master your OCD course where I take you step by step how to beat this thing.

Also, let me know in the comments what exposures look like for you?

Go watch this video for even more OCD help.