What's Holding You Back?

Want to clear away the obstacles that are stopping you from moving forward? The answer is in your hands - here's how

- By Gerry Hussey. Photographs by Getty

Life can feel like a game of chess - do we make this move or that one? Do we take a risk or play it safe? Sometimes we know what is holding us back from taking a step forward, sometimes we have no idea. Often it is something within us that we have the power to change. Performance psychologist Gerry Hussey gives us six tips for moving past those mental roadblocks.

1 LET GO OF FEAR

Fear - of change, failure, rejection or the unknown - can really hold you back. Yet fear is just a thought, created in your mind. When faced with fear, you can easily overestimate the challenge ahead and underestimate your abilities. You unconsciously set limits to what is possible, which in turn perpetuates the fear.

DO IT Knowing what is - and isn't - within your control helps you to reduce the intensity of fear. 'Control that which is within your control and let everything else go,' advises Gerry. For example, if you have fear about attending a new social event, remember what you are in control of – for example, what you wear, who you i talk to, how much you spend and what time you leave.'

2 DONT GET STUCK IN THE PIST