There are six basic fears, and every person experiences some of them at different times. Most people are lucky if they don’t suffer from all six. Other smaller fears can usually be grouped under these main ones. These fears often appear in cycles and affect the world like a curse. But fears are nothing more than states of mind, and our minds can be controlled and directed. In this article, we will discuss the six basic fears that affect everyone and explore ways to overcome them.
1. The Fear of Poverty
The fear of poverty is, without doubt, the most harmful of the six basic fears. It is placed first because it is the hardest to overcome. A state of mind is something we create, not something we can buy. The fear of poverty is simply a state of mind, yet it is powerful enough to destroy a person’s chances of success in any area of life. Indifference, indecision, doubt, worry, over-caution, and procrastination are common signs of this fear. Poverty is not only about lacking money; it is also a mental condition. Many people remain trapped by limiting beliefs, negative thoughts, and self-defeating behaviors, even when opportunities are available.
How to overcome The Fear of Poverty
- Train yourself to see opportunities instead of limitations. This reduces fear-driven choices.
- Set small, achievable financial goals to build confidence.
- Diversify income sources (side hustles, passive income).
- Replace thoughts like “I’ll never escape poverty” with “I can build wealth step by step.
- Seek mentorship from those who overcame poverty.
- Visualize success to rewire your brain away from poverty thinking.
- Break the cycle of self-sabotage by taking consistent, small actions.
People refuse to take action when the FEAR of criticism becomes stronger than the DESIRE for success – Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
2. The Fear of Criticism
The fear of criticism shows up in many ways, most of which are small and unnecessary. This fear takes away a person’s initiative, weakens imagination, limits individuality, reduces self-confidence, and harms them in countless ways. Parents often cause lasting damage to their children by criticizing them too harshly. Common signs of this fear include self-consciousness, lack of confidence, feelings of inferiority, extravagance, hesitation to take initiative, and lack of ambition.
How to overcome The Fear of Criticism
- Take time to process criticism instead of responding defensively.
- Not all criticism is valid; weigh whether it comes from a trusted, knowledgeable person.
- Writing down what you learned from criticism helps you internalize growth.
- Practice receiving feedback with friends or mentors to desensitize yourself.
3. The Fear of Ill Heath
People fear ill health because of the frightening images planted in their minds about what might happen if death overtakes them. A report suggests that 75% of people who visit doctors are suffering from imaginary illnesses. There is strong evidence that some diseases begin with negative thoughts. Common signs of the fear of ill health include auto-suggestion, hypochondria (imaginary illness), excessive focus on exercise, high susceptibility to sickness, self-indulgence, and lack of moderation.
How to overcome The Fear of Criticism
- Track triggers and thoughts to spot patterns.
- Breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga calm the nervous system.
- Share worries with trusted friends or mentors instead of bottling them up.
- Therapy (especially CBT) is highly effective for health anxiety
- Trust professional evaluations instead of self-diagnosis.
4. The Fear of Loss of Love
The fear of losing love is the most painful of the six basic fears. Jealousy and similar negative emotions often grow from this deep fear of being abandoned or unloved. Common signs of this fear include jealousy, constant fault-finding, and even destructive habits like gambling.
How to overcome The Fear of Loss of Love
- Calm anxious thoughts and anchor yourself in the present.
- Professional support can help address deeper attachment wounds.
- Write down fears and reframe them into positive affirmations.
- Strengthen your own identity and confidence so you don’t depend entirely on another person.
- Share your fears honestly with your partner; vulnerability often deepens connection.
- Appreciating small daily moments of love reduces fear-driven thinking.
5. The Fear of Old Age
The basic fear of old age comes from two main reasons. First, people often distrust others, worrying that someone might take away the possessions they have earned. Second, they fear the unknown after death, shaped by frightening ideas passed down through society before they were mature enough to think for themselves.
How to overcome The Fear of Old Age
- Meditation and breathing techniques help manage anxiety about aging.
- Surround yourself with examples of vibrant older adults.
- Avoid media that portrays aging only as decline.
- Engage in meaningful activities that give life direction at any age.
- Regular exercise, balanced diet, and good sleep slow decline and boost energy.
- Lifelong learning, reading, and creative pursuits keep the brain sharp.
6. The Fear of Death
The fear of death is the most common fear among people. Death will come to everyone, no matter what we think about it. It should be accepted as a natural part of life and not something to dwell on. If it were not necessary, it would not happen to all. And perhaps, it is not as frightening as it has often been imagined.
How to overcome The Fear of Death
- Align daily actions with your values so life feels complete.
- Deep connections reduce fear of isolation in death.
- Philosophy, religion, or spiritual practices often provide comfort.
- Writing, art, or storytelling about mortality can transform fear into meaning.
- Shifts focus from fear of loss to appreciation of life.
- Anchors you in the present, reducing anxiety about the future.
You can buy Think and Grow Rich book on amazon.
Disclaimer: I express my own views in this article after reading the book, without intending to offend anyone. I do not sponsor or endorse anyone, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The mentioned link is an affiliate link, and purchasing the book through it is a great way to support me if you’d like to read along!
EA00197