Whilst we can all suffer from concerns or worries from time to time, it is a sad fact that for many more people, being worried and fearful is almost like a full time plague. From the moment they wake up, they are worrying, and concerned about numerous issues, to the point that their quality of life is severely affected.

To put this in perspective, whilst we can all have, and experience worries, many of us are able to acknowledge the problems causing the worry, and then work towards a solution, rather than just continuing to worry. It is this point that I wish to expand on in this article.

I also speak from experience, as I spent many years, as a teenager, worrying about my future, and I now know this was caused by my lack of confidence in my abilities at the time. However, had I not learned the importance of being able to recognise a problem, and break it down into components, or pieces to work towards a solution, I would have allowed it to 'strangle' my success. Another way to understand the issue of worry is to know that it will rob you of your achievements and future success. I know this is harsh, but it is also true. Only by being brutally honest with yourself, and acknowledging the facts here, will you be more likely to accept your problems, and thus, work towards their solution, and thus, move on with your life.

Equally, whilst some people think of problems as 'things to be avoided at all costs', it is in fact the way for us top better ourselves as human beings. Furthermore, the most highly paid people in the world are problem solvers. Whilst I am not suggesting you look to become a professional problem solver, the fact is that all the information products on the market, as an example, are designed to solve people's problems. If they did not have a problem, there would be no market for their product.

In addition, I have witnessed people so paralysed by worry, that they feared even getting out of bed. It is pathetic, as well as sad, and thus, I hope to encourage you to recognise that all problems, no matter how insurmountable they may seem, all have a solution. Let me assure you I do not write these words from an ivory tower, as I too, have had and continue to9 have many challenges. However, I look at the problem for what it is, and analyse various possible solutions, and then act on them.

By taking action, you are more than half way through the problem, as it is the people who do not take action that are the ultimate worriers, the people that simply let the issues simmer.

This is deliberately intended as a direct question to push your emotional buttons. Have you got what it takes to reach your goal, or hopefully, goals? It is important to break up larger and bolder goals, into smaller, more immediately doable goals. However, I am again, going to ask if you have a burning desire in your belly? This is a vital question to answer, as it will dictate your likely hood of success. In addition, if you are in the unfortunate position of not having set bold goals, you need to seriously dedicate a full half day to just sitting down quietly, and start writing. Do not stop until you have filled as many pages as you have, and literally poured out your deepest desires onto the page. It is also important to not limit yourself at this point, and write what you really want to achieve, even if you do not have the means or knowledge of how you will actually reach your goal. That is immaterial at this point. To understand this better, many bold thinkers, both past and present, have started on various projects, even though they have not known every step of the journey they need to take.

In many cases, it is mainly a case of taking a determined start- actually sitting down, and just starting to do whatever your goal entails.

Let me tell you, that by starting, you have already jumped over a huge hurdle, as many people suffer from procrastination, borne from a fear that they do not have every duck lined up in a row. It is a hard point to explain, but I have found that through my experience, when ever I start a project, I find that the people I need to meet, or 'things I need to happen' start to happen for me, as long as I am active in completing my goals.

I have in fact, found that a journal, or diary of events to do, as well as events accomplished can be a real eye opener. You will not see much progress in a day or maybe, even a week, but when you take a global view after a six month period, or a year, you will be amazed at the achievements you have accomplished.

This is a point well worth taking careful note of, as I guarantee that the majority of successful people are action takers, and I know that by starting to take action, you form a momentum, as well as find, through what I'll call natural universal laws, that events start to take place for you, even though you may not have had all the answers to begin with.

Coupled with the above point, your true desire, or single minded determination, will bring forth the answers or information you seek, to continue on your journey. When you have a white hot desire, that is only fuelled by your determination to succeed, you will find the answers to your problems as you progress, and each problem, in itself, becomes a gem of knowledge to draw on later.

I know all about fear, or at least, I've lived through my fair share of it. Strong introduction, but I wanted to get your attention, and then tell you briefly about my experience with fear, and overcoming it. I am not going to suggest that my recommendation is the only way, or that it will work for everyone. However, I do know that when there is a problem, one of the only ways to deal with it is to face it head on. There is little to be gained by trying to go around it, and hope for the best that nothing will hurt us on the way. The simple fact is that when we get over our fears, we are better, and stronger people, and realise we can do so much more, but perhaps, I am getting ahead of myself here.

So, let's look at yourself first. The chances are you're familiar with the concept of driving, and you know you need to follow a map. In addition to knowing where you want to go, you need to know where you currently are. Hence, you may not like this bit, but it is essential to actually look hard at where you are right now, in order to move forward. By being brutally honest, you will be better placed to move forward, either because of greater clarity, or just a determination that you are not happy where you are. So, where to from here?

I have found that list writing works well for me, and gives me a good starting base to work from. You may find that meditation, or just quiet time in your favourite spot will do the trick. It does not matter how, but just get yourself into a quiet place and mood where you can accurately look at all your fears and concerns. This is not about beating yourself up, but rather, allowing yourself a true reflection of your current state. When you know this, you will be better able to move onto the next phase.

Being a list writer myself, I will then list next to each problem, a series of possible solutions. The fact is that more often than not, you know what you need to do, to overcome your problem. You have just being trying to hide from it, because that has been comfortable. However, moving out of your comfort zone is the key to overcoming your fears, no matter what they may be. I would love to say there is an easier way, but that is the way. For what it's worth, consider this point- that as you move into a newly uncomfortable place, your mind and consciousness will become more comfortable, after familiarity with your newly discovered zone of discomfort. In plain terms, as you move into an uncomfortable zone, you slowly become comfortable with it, because you realise you are still alive, and breathing, and going to be OK. Hence, as you stretch yourself, like a rubber band, you never return to the same limited size, or place of fear.

I know that you may still be in a state of fear, even seemingly paralysed by it. Please excuse my possible forthrightness at this point, as your fear may be much more mild. However, I am trying to make a point, that being no matter how bad you think something is, you are built better and tougher than the fear you have. It is one of those things I will ask you to have faith in me for, at this stage, till you prove it to yourself. I know it is much easier said than done, but I assure you that it does work.

If you are challenged by this at this time, look at something that is placing a small degree of fear in front of you. It's like starting small, so you can have small wins, and move on from there. This way, you will develop confidence, and ease into it. This is OK, as long as you can honestly say to yourself that you have done something to move forward. But do not use this as a constantly delaying tactic. That will not work.

Now, I recommend keeping a detailed journal, as this will help you see over time. Like two weeks, a month, and so on from now, that you are making progress. On the other hand, you may well find that you have made such leaps ahead, that you will jumping for joy, and very aware of your progress. Either way, I really do find that doing what you fear will liberate you. I am not suggesting it is easy, but it is a worthwhile goal, and something to proceed with, rather than to procrastinate over.

So, let's look at yourself first. The chances are you're familiar with the concept of driving, and you know you need to follow a map. In addition to knowing where you want to go, you need to know where you currently are. Hence, you may not like this bit, but it is essential to actually look hard at where you are right now, in order to move forward. By being brutally honest, you will be better placed to move forward, either because of greater clarity, or just a determination that you are not happy where you are. So, where to from here?

I have found that list writing works well for me, and gives me a good starting base to work from. You may find that meditation, or just quiet time in your favourite spot will do the trick. It does not matter how, but just get yourself into a quiet place and mood where you can accurately look at all your fears and concerns. This is not about beating yourself up, but rather, allowing yourself a true reflection of your current state. When you know this, you will be better able to move onto the next phase.

Being a list writer myself, I will then list next to each problem, a series of possible solutions. The fact is that more often than not, you know what you need to do, to overcome your problem. You have just being trying to hide from it, because that has been comfortable. However, moving out of your comfort zone is the key to overcoming your fears, no matter what they may be. I would love to say there is an easier way, but that is the way. For what it's worth, consider this point- that as you move into a newly uncomfortable place, your mind and consciousness will become more comfortable, after familiarity with your newly discovered zone of discomfort. In plain terms, as you move into an uncomfortable zone, you slowly become comfortable with it, because you realise you are still alive, and breathing, and going to be OK. Hence, as you stretch yourself, like a rubber band, you never return to the same limited size, or place of fear.

I know that you may still be in a state of fear, even seemingly paralysed by it. Please excuse my possible forthrightness at this point, as your fear may be much more mild. However, I am trying to make a point, that being no matter how bad you think something is, you are built better and tougher than the fear you have. It is one of those things I will ask you to have faith in me for, at this stage, till you prove it to yourself. I know it is much easier said than done, but I assure you that it does work.

If you are challenged by this at this time, look at something that is placing a small degree of fear in front of you. It's like starting small, so you can have small wins, and move on from there. This way, you will develop confidence, and ease into it. This is OK, as long as you can honestly say to yourself that you have done something to move forward. But do not use this as a constantly delaying tactic. That will not work.

Now, I recommend keeping a detailed journal, as this will help you see over time. Like two weeks, a month, and so on from now, that you are making progress. On the other hand, you may well find that you have made such leaps ahead, that you will jumping for joy, and very aware of your progress. Either way, I really do find that doing what you fear will liberate you. I am not suggesting it is easy, but it is a worthwhile goal, and something to proceed with, rather than to procrastinate over.