Simple Ways to Overcome Fear of the Unknown
In psychology, the idea of "locus of control" describes how people see responsibility in their lives. It can be external or internal. When it is external, people believe outside forces like politics, economy, or society control what happens to them.
When it is internal, people think they are the main cause of what happens. They take responsibility for their actions and decisions.
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People with an internal locus of control are better at controlling their fears than those who believe outside forces control everything.
Let go of things you cannot control. To deal with fear of uncertainty, understand what you can and cannot control. Things outside your control are things you should learn to release. Examples are:
what others think of you; other people’s actions and responsibilities; big economic issues; the weather; traffic problems; what will happen in the future. 2. Control what you can. Even if you can control something, it doesn’t always mean you should. People often try to take charge because they believe no one else will. They want to feel influence over their lives and don’t want to give that power up.
Sometimes it’s best to focus on just one thing. When you try to control too many things, remember the saying: “Chase two rabbits, catch none.”
Plan wisely. Planning means thinking about the future and being ready to change your plans when needed. You can't be sure what will happen next, but good planning can help you handle surprises better.
Learning how to plan is like starting a business. You set a direction, but you also change your plans as things change. Making plans also helps you develop skills that will be useful later.
See the world from different angles. Imagine a worm and an eagle. The worm only sees a few centimeters ahead, noticing tiny details. The eagle sees vast forests, seas, and mountains.
In life, you need both views. The eagle’s perspective helps you see the big picture: your goals for 10 years, careers, or relationships. The worm’s view helps with daily tasks, habits, and small steps.
Fear of the unknown can grow if you lose sight of either view. If you are worried about bigger trends, think like an eagle. If you are anxious about not reaching goals fast enough, adopt the worm’s perspective and adjust your daily routines.
Stop asking “what if.” Another way to beat fear is to jump into things fully. Frodo didn’t think about turning back when he set out to destroy the ring. He crossed the line and kept going.
Joseph Campbell explains this in “The Hero with a Thousand Faces.” When a hero begins a journey, they pass a point where they can’t go back. From then on, they move forward only.