Best books for overcoming fear
8 Life-Changing Books About Fear and How to Overcome it
Skip to contentPrevious Next
With negative news, high-pressure careers, natural disasters, violence and epidemics, it’s really no wonder why some people can be plagued with fears—hands begin to shake as the heart starts beating faster. All of this anxiety can cause people to stop living the bucket list lifestyle they dream of.
So, how can we overcome these fears? How can we stay calm and strong in the face of turmoil? What do we do when the fear tries to paralyze all our being? There were a set of tools I used to face my anxiety and fears that might help you, but also these 8 books on fear contain decades of experience, and can guide you in the right direction.
1. The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker
Most of us hate fear. But Gavin de Becker claims it’s a GIFT. Seriously? Yes seriously, the author is an expert on predicting violent behavior and he explains that our true fear is a signal that is called to protect us.
“You can refuse to be a victim.”(1) states de Becker. He describes the warning signs which always indicate future violence. Learning these signals, a person can avoid being hurt. Gavin explains that there is a universal code of violence and it’s very important for us to learn to recognize it.
After reading this book on fear you will learn to listen to your intuition, separate real danger from an imagined one, and recognize the survival signals that your brain gives you.
Paperback | Kindle | Audio
2. Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brene Brown
Brené Brown claims that your vulnerability is actually one of your strengths. Do you have this tickling feeling of disagreeing inside of your chest? The same thing happened to me when I first saw this book, but the author challenges the way we understand vulnerability and she backs her arguments with twelve years of research.
This book about fear shows us a perspective of “sitting on the same side of the table”(2) and acknowledging our imperfection. It will also help to improve your personal and work relationships by explaining to us how we can communicate and give feedback in a way that will be heard and understood.
Paperback | Kindle | Audio
3. Fearless by Max Lucado
“Storms are not an option, but fear is” (3). In his book “Fearless”, Max Lucado helps us restore our balance finding a strong connection with God.
Max Lucado is a person of great hope. And his book is felt with honesty and kindness. Every chapter represents a complete story and helps concentrate on the positive side of life and remember simple but strong lessons from the Bible. The author explores different types of fear and helps us look our fear in the face.
Host and author Dave Ramsey recommends this book “to anyone who is tired of the doom and gloom and ready to step out of fear once and for all. ”(3)
Paperback | Kindle | Audio
4. The Confidence Gap: A Guide To Overcoming Fear And Self-Doubt by Russ Harris
Have you ever missed a good opportunity because of fear? You didn’t get a promotion or didn’t ask that pretty girl on a date—these situations have happened to most of us. Russ Harris gives us an incredible manual on how to overcome our fear and build self-confidence.
He uses a very special approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. This method teaches us to accept our fears and feelings, and then we can begin to build our confidence around our core values. The author sees success as “living by your values.”(4) And our values give us the strength we need to overcome fear.
Paperback | Kindle | Audio
5. Feel the Fear & Do it Anyway by Dr. Susan Jeffers
Turn your fear into power, your decision into action, your anger into love! Does that sound exciting? Then buckle up! Dr. Susan Jeffers will take you on this remarkable transformation journey.
Susan describes five truths about fear and gives her readers a 10-step process for creating positive thinking.
“Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway” is not only a practical guide to overcoming your fears, its title is also a great mantra worth repeating again and again.
Paperback | Kindle | Audio
6. Do It Scared: Finding The Courage To Face Your Fears, Overcome Adversity, And Create A Life You Love by Ruth Soukup
What doesn’t let make your dreams come true? – “Fear of failure”(5), says Ruth Soukup. In her book “Do It Scared”, she shares her experience of overcoming your fears and living your dream. Courage does not mean fearlessness. The courage is being scared but still doing what it takes.
Ruth invites you to indicate your own Fear Archetype and learn to conquer it. The author lists 7 fear archetypes: the procrastinator, the rule follower, the people pleaser, the outcast, the self-doubter, the excuse maker and the pessimist. The names are quite self-descriptive, really. But the instructions of beating those demons are worth reading.
Paperback | Kindle | Audio
7. Fear by Thich Nhat Hanh
“We are very afraid of being powerless. But we have the power to look deeply at our fears, and then fear cannot control us.”(6)
A profound thinker, teacher, and poet Thich Nhat Hanh uses simple sentences to convey eternal truths. The author explores the roots of fear and walks us through simple yet deep steps to calm our soul. This book is filled with spiritual power and great lightness. Hanh tells us that our greatest teacher is within us and he encourages people “not to take refuge in anything that’s outside of you.”
This book about fear is a remarkable journey inside of yourself—a journey to find inner peace.
Paperback | Kindle | Audio
8. The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy
You have the power to change your destiny. To some this is a disputable statement, but Joseph Murphy spent years of research and practice to compile this work. He says that most events that happen to us are results of our conscious and subconscious activity.
The scientist studied the world’s religions for years and discovered that spiritual practice is a source of human strength.
“Just keep your conscious mind busy with expectation of the best.”(7) and read this great book about fear.
Paperback | Kindle
We are living in an amazing time when you don’t have to spend years traveling through India or Thailand to study the teachings of the wise. We can access lessons from experienced humankind just by clicking a couple of buttons. And maybe as we delve deeper into the process of overcoming our fear we will learn that fear is a choice.
CITATIONS:
1. The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker
2. Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
3. Fearless by Max Lucado
4. The Confidence Gap: A Guide To Overcoming Fear And Self-Doubt by Russ Harris
5. Do It Scared: Finding The Courage To Face Your Fears, Overcome Adversity, And Create A Life You Love by Ruth Soukup
6. Fear by Thich Nhat Hanh
7. The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links, I earn a commission that helps to keep this blog running—at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure here.
You Might Also Enjoy
Overcoming Anxiety to Live Your Dream: 8 Tips to Facing Your Fears
Being Grateful: 100 Things to Be Thankful For Today
5 Tips to Help Conquer Your Bucket List
30+ Quotes That Will Motivate You to Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone
Classic Books Bucket List: 25 of the Best Must-Read Novels
Bucket List Journey gives every person in the world the tools and inspiration to live their bucket list one checkmark at a time—founded by Annette White.
READ MORE
GET 2,000 BUCKET LIST IDEAS FREE
WHAT’S NEW
- 35 of Maui’s Best Road to Hana Stops for a Fun Driving Tour
- Christmas Movie Bucket List: 100 Best Films of All Time to Watch
- Jamaica Bucket List: 30+ Fun Things to Do
- 350+ Good Icebreaker Questions for the Best First Conversations
- Colorado’s Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch
BUY MY BOOK
Page load link
Top 10 Books to Help You Conquer Fear and Anxiety
We all share one common hobby and that’s daydreaming. Yes, for sure, entanglement in the labyrinth thought process without having any fruitful results at end is enjoyable to all of us. Sometimes such a maze-like structured thought process becomes an intricate puzzle for daydreamers, sometimes it is not. The only thing that can make the difference is how you implement your idea into reality to enjoy the fruits of your efforts and dedicated hard work that you courageously putting to have the fruits at the end of the day.
One possible hurdle that comes to our way while transforming ideas into reality is “FEAR”. If you are afraid of failures, if the losing scares you then congratulations you are a qualified human being. Fear is pretty common and being fearful is normal. It is one of our most primitive and deeply ingrained emotions. It is a powerful state of mind that easily takes control or prevents a person from achieving the highest potential. As the worlds’ every opportunity lies in every adversity, fear is the only thing that can help you in realizing key strength to reach the highest position.
We all encounter fear in our everyday life and it is good as long as its purpose is survival. If you are one of those on your way transforming an idea into reality, afraid of dreadful implications and your only purpose is survival then, read on the full story. Here I am sharing the sneak peek of some really good books that can help you to get started
1.Fearless Passion by Yong Kang Chan
Deep down inside, you must be aware of the fact that your job doesn’t fit you. Every morning feeling drained and unmotivated to go to work and keep on thinking about the problem you are going through is fear. You want to quit the job but you are afraid of losing your financial security.
“Fearless passion by Yong Kang chan” is for those afraid to pursue the dream and passion. In this book, the author discussed eight types of fears and how they can be beneficial to human growth and transition.
2. Fearless by Max Lucado
Every sunrise brings fresh reasons for fear, but every sunset ensures that there is hope for a new beginning you just need to start imagining a life without fear.
This book is all about our encounter with fear in daily lives such as fear of not mattering, or the fear of overcoming challenges, fear of thinking about what next and much more.
This book written by Christian author is all about having faith and keeping trust in God. The text in this book is full of examples and discussion questions in a conversational tone that everyone can relate easily.
3. The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
Have you ever thought about why success and happiness don’t last long in your life? Sometimes you feel good and other times you are back at the place of unhappiness.
According to the author of this book “Each of us has an inner thermostat setting that determines how much love, success, and creativity we allow ourselves to enjoy.”
The whole books talk about “the upper limit problem theory” and help the reader to shift their lives into the next gear. well, I must recommend you to read this book, if something is holding you back for a long time and you want to overcome your hidden fears.
4. Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers
“All you have to do to diminish your fear to develop more trust in your ability to handle whatever comes your way!”
Fear is one of those constant that remains forever, until or unless you try to overcome it. The only way to overcome is to surge ahead despite feeling fearful. Your fear will naturally start diminishing, once you start to take counteractions.
I believe above all else, there is one fear “I can’t handle?” and it is not a big deal. What we all need to learn is how to move forward despite feeling fear. For those facing a hard time in decision-making need to go through this book because you guys can relate it effectively.
5. Fear by Thich Nhat Hanh
“The only way to ease our fear and be truly happy is to acknowledge our fear and look deeply at its source.”
Keep yourself aware of your fears and examine the things that frighten you, instead of running away and pretending that they don’t exist. The simple yet profound wisdom written in this spiritual book will help you to face your fears and develop a sense of calmness.
6. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
“Vulnerability is not weakness. It’s where courage and fear meet.”
Shame and vulnerability is the central idea or theme of this book. It is a story of a girl who hates uncertainty, hates not knowing and stands open to get hurt but she tried to outsmart the vulnerability and in the end realized the importance of allowing her to be vulnerable.
The core idea of this book is letting your authentic self be known by others as it will help you to experience the meaningful events in your life. If you are afraid of being hurt and vulnerable or don’t want to be criticized by others then this book is just for you.
7. The Confidence Gap by Russ Harris
It is very important to utilize self-acceptance and mindfulness to overcome the fear of failure, fear of criticism and fear of being criticized.
We all known that confidence is necessary to achieve our goals and to live a fulfilled life; Russ termed this concept as “the confidence gap”. People facing the problems of low-confidence, shyness and insecurity need to read this book to bring change in life.
8. The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne
Another book to overcome fear and anxiety, but this time it has a practical exercise which lets the readers develop the feeling of being fearless. Whether it is a generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, social anxiety or specific phobias, few techniques can help you to fix these issues as quickly as possible. If you are one of those experiencing anxiety, this book is just for you. It can be a very good alternate supplementing the professional counsels and the best part is it’s around with you for any time.
9. The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level by Gay Hendricks
The Big leap lets the reader take a leap of faith in itself and embrace the true potential to achieve excellence. According to the author, certain fears are fake, because we limit ourselves; the only need of the hour is to conquer the fear that is holding you back.
According to this book, negative emotions like worry and self-criticism are the possible hindrances holding us back. The reader of this book having a mediocre personality can achieve excellence, by enjoying the experience that lies between the lines.
Hendricks offers us his key to success “I expand in abundance, success, and love every day and I inspire others around me to do the same.”
10. Banish Your Inner Critic: Silence The Voice Of Self-doubt To Unleash Your Creativity And Do Your Best Work by Denise Jacobs
The content of this book revolves around to unlock your creativity and banish your inner critic.there are multiple ways of helping you to deep dive into the creative genius of yourself.
The world is full of doubts, even people doubt themselves but the good news is you can disagree when others doubt you. It gets problematic when you doubt yourself because no one will be left there to defend you. Denise Jacob recommended upholding the power of defensive actions when the world has doubts for you. Own yourself and the banish the inner you to reach new heights in your life.
Conclusion
A wondering mind indeed cultivates some creative ideas; improves IQ and aid development. We have witnessed eminent daydreamers like Albert Einstein and the noble prize-winning molecular biologist Elizabeth Blackburn, the real depiction of the fact that you can benefit from the voice coming from inside. The only thing needed is the courage to accept what is coming from inside and to make others know the potential it has.
5 books that will help you cope with your fears
Bookshelf thesymbol.ru
Website staff
Fear is a tool of self-defense and a gift of evolution, thanks to which we were once not eaten by predators. However, some fears do not help modern man in any way in matters of survival. On the contrary, they poison existence, cause anxiety and even depression. Do you also know the feeling of causeless fear and panic? Then these 5 books that we have collected together with the largest subscription book service MyBook are for you.
Fear But Do by John Mann and Brandon Webb
One of the authors of this book, Brandon Webb, knows fear firsthand. A former special forces soldier, he has been in many stressful situations, and made sure that fear is a natural reaction that cannot be overcome. However, fear can be managed by making it the driving force on the road to success. The book is divided into several parts, each of which describes a certain stage of working with fear. There are practical exercises as well as real life stories illustrating various destructive fears. It is useful to realize that you are not alone - all people are afraid of something, but you can work with it and turn it for your own good.
“Fear of intimacy”, Ilse Sand
Danish psychotherapist Ilse Sand studies the inner world of people with increased emotional sensitivity. In this book, she addresses the problem of the fear of intimacy, which sometimes extends not only to new people, but also to a permanent partner. Sand suggests dealing with the nature of these fears, getting rid of excessive self-defense and learning to build stable, trusting relationships. The author gives many examples from real life, in at least one of which you will surely recognize yourself. Sand also talks about the traps of the subconscious and childhood traumas that prevent us from being happy in the present.
“Conquer your fear”, Mandy Holgate
Business coach Mandy Holgate approached the topic of fears in a systematic way – she singled out the 12 most common ones, tried to explain where they come from, and gave working techniques to combat phobias. In the list of fears, you will surely find your own - whether it is the fear of public speaking or a deadly disease. Some fears are completely irrational, and the reasons for their occurrence may depend on evolutionary processes or features of the brain. Lots of discoveries await you! This book will help you cope with anxiety and obsessive thoughts, become more confident and learn to control your emotions.
“A step towards the future. How to get rid of old habits and fears, Pema Chodron
Pema Chodron is a Buddhist nun and best-selling author of meditation, finding harmony and the ability to accept any difficulties. In this book, Chodron talks about inner habits and patterns that can be parted without regret. Each of us has weaknesses - whether it be excessive aggression, envy, anxiety or fear of intimacy. The book will appeal to those who are interested in Eastern philosophy and ancient practices. At the same time, it contains specific techniques and tips with which you can easily adjust to a new way of thinking.
“Fearlessness. Wisdom that will allow you to survive the storm”, Tit Nat Khan
The wise work of the Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk Tit Nat Khan can be a revelation for many. What are we afraid of? A future that hasn't arrived yet. Or a past that no longer exists... In simple language, the author explains that all our fears are unfounded and gives exercises, meditations, mantras and breathing techniques that will help us gain fearlessness. It turns out that fear has a lot to do with physiology, so some of the tasks will seem surprising to you. Tit Nat Hana also talks a lot about our state of mind, attitude towards ourselves and others - he does not provide any scientific evidence, but invites everyone to find support within themselves.
MyBook is giving new users 14 days of premium subscription with promo code SPRING2021, as well as a 25% discount on MyBook premium subscription for 1 or 3 months. The code must be activated before April 30, 2021.
12 books that will help overcome fear
Leisure ideas / What book to read
In fact, there is nothing unusual in fear. This is an emotion native to each person, bestowed upon him at the moment of birth. Fear is akin to a protective reflex that is triggered if the brain signals an approaching danger. Thus, fear protects a person from rash acts or decisions that could potentially harm him.But in this article, we will eradicate not such a fear. And the one that negates all aspirations, paralyzes, not even giving a chance to realize their dreams, gives rise to panic attacks, inspiring negative thoughts about relatives and friends. The fear that prevents you from fully living and enjoying life.
If you have identified your phobia in this description, we suggest arranging a psychotherapy book session. Famous gurus, personal growth experts, professional doctors and even Buddhist monks have collected their advice on this topic in 12 of the best books. Read them all, or at least one. This will be your first step towards a new life. Life without fear.
1. "To the Limit"
Author: Eric Bertrand Larssen
Read an excerpt
To get rid of fear, it is not always necessary to focus on it. It is necessary to carry out comprehensive work on the problem, delving into the most secluded corners of consciousness, answer important questions about the past and future, analyze your own appearance, nutrition, education, and development. All of this will help you gain confidence. And where there is confidence, there is no place for fear. Eric Bertrand Larssen is Norway's most productive business coach. He will become your guru on the way to a total upgrade. But get ready, it will not be easy, because the 7 days in which Eric promises to make another person out of you are eloquently called “Hell Week”.
2. "Peace in every step"
Author: Tit Nath Khan
Read an excerpt
Tit Nath Khan is a Buddhist monk, spiritual leader, and a recognized master of Zen practice. In his book, he will be able to convince you that between joy and fear, in fact, there is a very shaky border and it is very easy to overcome it. Just learn to rise above negative events, find good moments in critical situations and concentrate on them. At first, it will be difficult to clear your head of informational noise and pessimistic thoughts. But after weeks of diligent practice, you will feel enlightened and become the most serenely calm person on the planet.
3. Conquer Your Fear
By Mandy Holgate
Read an excerpt
And this practical guide is for those who like well-structured text, clear descriptions, and specific recommendations and tasks. Mandy Holgate doesn't beat around the bush. She identifies 12 major fears that stand between a person and a calm, carefree joyful life, and offers a plan to combat them. The author recommends many popular techniques and exercises for practical use, they will bring your fear out of the shadows and mercilessly incinerate it. The book will be especially useful for leaders and team leaders who are afraid of public speaking, as well as anyone who is afraid to take responsibility when making important decisions.
4. Overcoming Fear
Author: Doris Eading
Ethnologist and yoga teacher Doris Eading has been practicing mindfulness and meditation for many years. Her books instantly become bestsellers and are sold all over the world. "Overcoming Fear" is a collection of practical exercises that will help the reader to work through all his most important fears in practice, get to the bottom of their root cause and mercilessly eradicate it. Already on the first pages, Doris will invite you to think about and label all your experiences, as well as schedule the time that you will allocate to work on them.
5. “No matter what”
By Mark McGuinness
Read an excerpt
Numerous examples from life show that achieving a goal is not so easy. It’s not enough just to have a good idea and dream of a great future. It is necessary to have a whole set of skills that will help you only move forward, despite fear, obstacles, criticism and comments. A recognized specialist in the field of self-development, Mark McGuinness will help you to know the deep nature of fear that prevents you from moving towards the realization of your dreams, teach you to control emotions and correctly respond to value judgments and rejection of others.
6. Get Started
By John Acuff
Read an excerpt
Motivational speaker John Acuff's book is a must read for those who have a specific idea but lack the courage to put it into practice, or who are very wants to change and is ready for any experiments on the way to his own transformation. The author did not stand on ceremony, veiling the main message of the book somewhere between the thick lines of numerous pages, and placed it right in the center of the cover. "Begin" is written in giant red letters. It is clear that anyone who reads the work of John Acuff will certainly start something: work on himself, write a book, lose weight, or realize long-term plans. In any case, this will be the beginning of something new and beautiful.
7. "Be afraid, but do"
Author: Brandon Webb, John David Mann
Read excerpt
Brandon Webb is a former commando. He knows what fear is, how difficult it is to deal with it and why it is necessary. He also knows that it is almost impossible to eradicate fear, but learning to manage it is a task that is quite simple to implement. Using the example of numerous life stories, the author will show how to eradicate your most formidable phobias, steadily move towards your goal and not let the fear of defeat lead you astray. 5 simple steps developed by Brandon Webb will help you learn to live with fear, using this neighborhood exclusively for your own good.
8. How to conquer fear
Author: Olga Solomatina
Read an excerpt
12 demons, 12 fears, 12 reasons for dissatisfaction and sadness. Why continue to live in this mode, if everything can be easily changed? Olga Solomatina wrote not just a book of advice, but a real practical collection in which each chapter of the theoretical material is supported by a practical task. All tasks are creative and very creative. Suitable for people of any age and profession.
9. How to Stop Worrying and Start Living
By Dale Carnegie
Read an excerpt
A classic guide from one of the world's most famous educators and speakers. With the help of Dale Carnegie's expert guidance, you will get rid of debilitating fear and anxiety, and you will also be able to radically change your life and start building a new, carefree future. Carnegie offers a set of practical formulas that can be applied immediately after reading the book. There is no need to be captivated by anxiety and anxiety that prevent you from enjoying a full active life when you can get rid of them once and for all.
10. "Fear"
Author: Dan Gardner
Read excerpt
After analyzing the peaceful life of modern society, Dan Gardner came to the conclusion that we are part of the most peaceful time period. Life expectancy has doubled, there is an active promotion of a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition and caring for your body. There is no destructive war devouring millions of people on the planet, global environmental cataclysms, etc. Despite this, a huge number of people are chained in chains of fear and doubt. Dan Gardner explores the reasons for this behavior. In his book, he will tell that the “politics of fear” is an absolutely artificial phenomenon, which is not only realistic, but also vitally necessary to fight.
11. "Don't interfere with your life"
Author: Mark Goulston, Philip Goldberg
Read excerpt
- The forty most common obstacles to a fulfilling, happy life were studied by Mark Goulston. Each chapter describes a specific problem in a “3D” way: there is a life story that illustrates the mistake, helpful tips on the topic, and an inspirational quote that you can underline or write out to constantly look at it when the desire to return to the old, self-destructive way of life, will remind you again.
12. "Fearlessness"
Author: Tit Nath Khan
Read an excerpt
center, author of several best-selling books on Zen Buddhism, Tit Nhat Khan.