Personal Experiences with Overcoming Fears
Sharing Stories and Strategies for Facing Our Fears
Introduction
Everyone has fears, and overcoming them is a powerful way to grow. This lesson explores personal experiences and strategies for overcoming fears.
"The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." - Nelson Mandela
Warm-Up Activity
Discuss with a partner:
  • What is a fear you have overcome?
  • How did you feel before and after facing this fear?
  • Share a story of someone you know who overcame a fear.
Facing Fears: A Personal Journey
Introduction to the video clip: Pixar's Piper: Overcoming Fear
  • What fears did the character in the video overcome?
  • What strategies did they use to face their fears?
  • How did overcoming their fears change their life?
Answers to Discussion on Video
Fears Overcome
In the video, the character Piper overcomes the fear of the ocean and getting wet to find food.
Strategies Used
Piper gradually faces the fear by first observing, then experiencing the ocean in a safe way, and finally diving into it to overcome the fear.
Life Changes
By overcoming the fear, Piper becomes more confident, gains the ability to find food independently, and ultimately thrives in the natural environment.
Group Discussion
1
What are some common fears that people have?
2
Why is it important to face and overcome our fears?
3
Can you think of any fears you would like to overcome? Why?
4
What strategies can help in overcoming fears?
Reading Comprehension
  1. Exposure Therapy: Gradually facing fears in a controlled manner.
  1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A therapy focusing on changing negative thought patterns.
  1. Desensitization: Reducing fear through repeated exposure.
  1. Mindfulness: Focusing on the present moment to reduce anxiety.
  1. Resilience: The ability to recover from or adjust to challenges.
Read the short article: 3 Steps to Overcoming Fear
Reflection
Reflect on the lesson and share one thing you learned about overcoming fears.
Key Points to keep in mind:
  • Understanding and labeling fears can help reduce their power.
  • Analyzing and questioning the rationality of fears can help manage them.
  • Gradually and safely facing fears is an effective way to overcome them.
Optional Homework Assignment!
Try writing a short journal entry about a fear you want to overcome. Reflect on this fear, why it is important for you to face it, and plan the steps you can take to confront and overcome this challenge.
Additional Resources
TED Talks on Overcoming Fear
Explore inspiring TED Talks that offer insights and strategies for overcoming fears.
Books: "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway"
Read the classic self-help book by Susan Jeffers that provides practical advice for facing and conquering your fears.
Articles from Psychology Today
Discover insightful articles from Psychology Today that explore the psychology of fear and strategies for overcoming it.