Fear has a sneaky way of holding us back. It is that little voice saying, “You can’t,” “You shouldn’t,” or “What if...?” It often keeps us from trying new things or taking risks that could improve our lives. While fear can sometimes protect us, it can also take over, making simple tasks feel overwhelming.

Ready to find out how fear might be holding you back and what you can do about it? Take this quiz to see where you stand and discover ways to manage fear, so it doesn’t run the show!

Take this quick quiz to discover how you handle fear and where you might improve! Choose the option that resonates most with you for each question.

1. When fear starts to creep in, how do you handle it?
   a) I focus on my breathing and try to relax.
   b) I bottle it up and keep it to myself.
   c) I reach out to someone for support or advice.
2. How do you talk to yourself when fear strikes?
   a) I try to replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations.
   b) I often tell myself, “I can’t” or “I shouldn’t.”
   c) I talk myself through it with encouraging words.
3. When faced with a big task or challenge, how do you approach it?
   a) I break it down into smaller, more manageable steps.
   b) I feel overwhelmed by the big picture.
   c) I avoid it until the last minute.
4. How often do you push yourself out of your comfort zone?
   a) I take small risks each day to grow my confidence.
   b) I rarely step outside my comfort zone.
   c) I only take risks when necessary.
5. Do you use visualization as a way to overcome fear?
   a) Yes, I imagine myself succeeding and feeling confident.
   b) No, I tend to focus on what could go wrong.
   c) Sometimes, but not often enough.
6. Do you have someone you look up to for inspiration or courage?
   a) Yes, I have role models who inspire me to be brave.
   b) No, I haven’t thought about finding a role model.
   c) I sometimes look to others but often try to go it alone.
7. When you’re afraid of something new, how do you approach it?
   a) I seek out information to understand it better.
   b) I avoid it altogether and stay in my comfort zone.
   c) I do a little research but still feel unsure.
8. How do you tackle something you’ve never done before?
   a) I take lessons or learn from someone experienced.
   b) I tend to avoid new things because I’m afraid of failing.
   c) I try to figure it out myself but don’t always succeed.

Results:

Mostly A’s:
You’re well on your way to managing fear effectively! You have solid strategies to help you push through fear and step out of your comfort zone. Keep building on these positive habits, and you’ll continue to grow.

Mostly B’s:
Fear might be holding you back more than you realize. Try introducing small steps, like talking to someone about your fear or focusing on breaking tasks into manageable pieces. A few simple changes can make a big difference in handling fear.

Mostly C’s:
You’re somewhere in the middle—sometimes you push through fear, but other times it holds you back. Keep practicing strategies like asking for help or visualizing success, and you’ll find it easier to overcome challenges.

Fear might not completely go away, but by taking action and using these strategies, you can keep it from taking control. With the right tools and mindset, you’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish when fear no longer holds you back. Now that you've taken the quiz, it’s time to start putting these insights into practice—step by step, you’ll gain the confidence to face whatever comes your way.