The fear of the unknown is feeling anxiety about things that we do not comprehend. It could be fear of a new job. It could be moving to a new location. Or, it could be fear of talking to others.
We think of the worst-case scenario. We think something bad is coming. This fear stops many people from trying new experiences.
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Fear Keeps Us Safe
Fear is not always wrong. It helps keep us alive. It alerts us when we need to be cautious. Long ago, humans used fear to create safety. If something was unfamiliar or strange, it could have been dangerous.
Our brains still work this way today, when something is unknown, our brain sees it as a potential threat. This is how fear keeps us safe, it helps us keep away from substances that have the potential for danger.
Loving Patterns is the Brain’s Comfort Zone
The brain loves patterns because it feels safe and familiar. For example, the brain has a daily routine which is why we feel calm when we are engaged in that routine. The brain wants us to know what to expect, and when something is new, it does not process the signature, and you can have confusion.
The brain then tells you to stop or stay away and tells you that there is fear attached to the newness because newness is uncertainty. This is why we have a fear of the unknown because the brain hates surprises.
Uncertainty is the Food for Fear
The unknown represents uncertainty and uncertainty creates stress. The thing is the biggest problem with uncertainty is that when we do not have answers we begin guessing. And most people guess negatively. “What if I fail?” or “What if this goes wrong?”
Psychology: The Brain has Fear Because it Can’t Predict
Psychologists say that we as a human brain have fear around things that we cannot predict. The brain is like a prediction machine trying to guess what will happen next which keeps us safe and helps us make choices.
And, the brain panics when it can’t predict something coming down the pipe and it will send signals to us as if there was danger. If there is no real danger, the brain will still condition a fear response that could prevent people from growing and learning.
Change Feels Risky
Change always comes with uncertainty. And change can feel risky. When we try something new, we leave our comfort zone. We move into an area of our lives where we do not have control.
This lack of control creates fear. People think “Will I be okay?” “Can I do this?” This doubt creates more fear.
We Fear Failure.
Another reason we fear the unknown is because of the fear of failure. Many people think about doing something new but are afraid they will mess it up. They worry that people will laugh, or they will lose respect, or they will lose comfort.
So, instead of trying to do it, they stay in the same place. But this choice only keeps them stuck. It keeps them from growing, and eventually from being sad.
Psychology: Fear Comes from Imagination.
Fear of the unknown does not come from real danger. It comes from the mind. Psychologists say this fear develops in imagination. People think bad things could happen, and create nightmares in their heads.
But most of those nightmares never happen. It was never real. The mind is playing tricks. It is trying to protect us, and at times it overprotects us. Understanding this can help us rationalize the fear, and take control back.
New Things Can Be a Good Thing
Not all things that are new or unknown are bad. Many are good. A new school could mean new friends. A new job could lead to success. Moving to a new location could result in better opportunities.
Growing through the unknown brings us even higher. We grow stronger. We learn. Also, we gain new skills. The unknown can be fearful, but it can also be enjoyable.
Faith Is a Tool to Combat Fear
Many turn to faith when dealing with fear. People can hope for something good to occur. They can trust that God will see them through. Faith provides help.
If we turn to faith and trust that the unknown serves a purpose, the unknown no longer feels scary. Faith calms people. Faith prompts people to take little steps. Also, faith makes us courageous in what we was thinking was darkness.
How to Overcome Your Fear of the Unknown
First, understand that it is okay to be afraid. Everybody fears unknown things. It doesn’t mean you are weak. Second, take it step by step. You don’t have to do it all at once. Just begin slowly.
Third, talk to someone. Let it be known what bothers you. Sometimes just saying it out loud, can shrink it down to size. Fourth, focus on what you can control. Make a plan. Do some preparation for your new changes. This will help restore some power. Fifth, think of comfort and good about the last time when you had some measure of success. Remember how well you navigated the hard things to be where you are. That builds your courage.
Face the Unknown with Curiosity
Instead of posing “What if I fail?” ask yourself “What if I grow?” Change the questions you ask yourself. Turn fear into curiosity. Think of the unknown as an adventure and not something frightening. Curiosity opens the door to learning. It opens doors for you. It opens doors to more exciting living. So be curious. Ask questions. Explore.
The Unknown is a Part of Life
The unknown is not something that can be avoided. The unknown will come for every person. Every day is a surprise. We cannot control everything. What we can control is how we respond.
So chose to face fear. Choose to walk forward. Even if you can’t stand straight, if you’re shaking, you’re still moving. Moving forward, even if weakly is better than being stuck.
Wrapping it Up
Fear of the unknown is very real. It is in the mind. But guess what, you can break those walls. You can calm the storm in your mind. You can take control.
Psychology tells us, that the brain is hardwired to fear anything unpredictable. However, psychology also tells us, we can teach our brain. We can train it to feel safe. So the next time you feel fear come up, breathe. Take one small step. Trust yourself. The unknown will have something good in it. You are stronger than you know.
