How to Overcome Fear of Computers - Please feel free to print this article and pass it to anyone you know who has a fear of computers.

Does the thought of computers make you fearful, worried or concerned? Does it cause anxiety as you know you should learn how to use one? Do you feel overwhelmed at the thought of learning a new skill? Are you afraid that you might not be able to learn? Are you scared that you might press the wrong button and delete everything?

A key emotion that can keep you from achieving what you want in life is Fear or Low level concern, Anxiety, Worry. I'm not talking about panic attacks, high level fears and phobias, which are often caused by a significant emotional event in your past. The fear and anxiety I am referring to are those daily worries, niggles or sixth sense telling you that all is not quite right for you. They can keep you stuck if you allow them to and can grow out of all proportion if you don't act to resolve the feelings.

If this fear is having a significant negative impact on your life, it’s time to do something about it.

Luckily these fears can be turned into a positive resource and can be easily overcome. They are telling you that something is going to happen soon that you need to prepare for. They are your body's way of alerting you to something you need to do.

The solution

• Review what you are feeling fearful about and evaluate what you must do to prepare yourself.

• Figure out what actions you need to take to deal with the situation in the best possible way.

Overcoming your fear – e.g. a fear of learning IT Skills

1. Understand your reason for wanting to learn new skills. What does it mean to you? What will it give you? What's in it for you?

If you have a compelling reason for achieving your goal of learning a new skill then you will overcome any barriers that might come along.

2. Identify what you are afraid of. What exactly are you saying to yourself? If it’s ‘I can’t do this’ or ‘I’m too old to learn something new’ or ‘I might make a mistake and break something’. These are negative or limiting beliefs that you have about the situation and if you allow them to, will stop you from being successful. What you need to do is change a negative thought to a positive one. For example, ‘I can do it’ or ‘Even though I am XX I can learn a new skill’.

One of my favourite quotes is from Henry Ford who said ‘If you think you can or you think you can’t, your right!’ Start telling yourself that you can do it.

3. What do you need to do? Who can support you? Who do you know who has already done what you want to do? What courses are there locally?
   

4. Decide what you need to do, believe that you can do it, then do it!

At this stage also check in with yourself about your level of commitment. Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being low and 10 being High as to how much you really want to learn about IT. If it's 7 and above well done and go to it. Anything below 7 then you need to go back to your goal and understand what it is that you want to achieve. Once you are at 10 then you will do whatever it takes.

Enjoy the Process!

Noelyne Jones