4 Ways to Defeat Your Fear of the Unknown

Albert Einstein once dropped this pearl of wisdom: “The world is so full of possibilities.” Yet, for many folks, not knowing what can happen next is more nerve-racking than exciting. Will your new business take off? Are you on the right career path? How long will you stay single? All the fuss comes from your fear of the unknown, and it’s a real phobia.

Researchers have found that any level of uncertainty can make a situation feel more threatening than it actually is. It’s a natural response ingrained within the human psyche, which was useful in ancient times. But don’t let it cripple you from seizing opportunities. Find out how to overcome your fear of the unknown with these doable practices.

You can’t (and shouldn’t) ignore your fear of the unknown. Doing so will only make it an even more formidable foe. What you can do is take control by creating backup plans. Knowing which steps to take enables you to accept that things may not go your way, but you can still forge ahead, no matter the obstacles.

For example, spruce up your resume and make a list of your dream jobs if you’re stuck in a career rut. Consider taking freelance or part-time jobs while searching for a new opening, or level up your professional skills to increase your marketability. Taking action gives you a sense of reassurance in the face of unforeseen challenges.

There’s no shortcut to mastering how to deal with anxiety and negative thoughts. But you have one tool in your arsenal to help you cope: venting. According to a 2023 study, talking about your frustration to a friend, family, or even your SO can help reduce stress and make you feel a lot better. Plus, they might have been through similar experiences and can offer you advice. So, it’s not a “waste of time” or a “sign of weakness” – take it from science.

Before getting your worries off your chest, reach out to a person you can trust and ask if they’re available to lend an ear. It’s important to give them a heads-up because they may not be prepared to handle a tough conversation. Maybe they’re having a bad day and just want to relax. If they give you a green light, know when to stop. Don’t make it all about you. Give your friend space and time to talk about other things. Relationships are a two-way street, after all.

We fear what we do not understand. Hence, one of the keys to conquering the fear of the unknown is stepping out of the comfort zone to experience new things. When you force yourself to break free and face uncertainties head-on, you expand your horizons and build resilience.

There’s no need to go to extremes like bungee jumping or cave diving (unless you want to). It can be as simple as ordering a different menu at the coffee house, exploring a more challenging bike trail, or trying a new scent. If you’re used to warm and woody fragrances, switch things up with AXE Body Spray Ice Breaker. Its blend of cool sage, mandarin, and mint leaves a long-lasting freshness. Plus, it’s made with dual-action technology to bust odor for up to 48 hours.

When things get out of whack and all you want to do is chill out, go ahead and do exactly that. Taking a break to focus on yourself helps recalibrate your thoughts. You can lean into an old routine or habit from your childhood.

Whether it’s cooking your mom’s arroz caldo, watching cartoons, or revisiting retro games, these experiences offer a sense of familiarity and comfort. It’s a reminder that even if you’re going through scary changes, some things stay constant.

Getting over your fear of the unknown can take time. But with these tips, you can transform it into a catalyst for growth and self-discovery. Besides, life would be dull without the element of surprise. It’s what makes your grind feel even more rewarding.