Today more than ever, human beings need resources to support their lifestyles. We have our iphones, blackberries (crackberries as I’ve heard them called), laptops–and these are merely our high-tech gadgets–so that we can feel connected with the massive media-driven world. At home, our many appliances make our lives convenient, and comfortable.

So, it may seem odd that Americans are self-described “unhappy” people. Most of us deal with some kind of overwhelming fear that grips us from time to time, and it makes happiness fleeting to be sure. From what I’ve gathered, the ultimate root fear that causes you anguish, sets off anxiety attacks is the fear of NOT HAVING ENOUGH or fear of poverty. And ultimately, this comes down to money. I call this the deprivation syndrome.

Not having enough currency, credit, or whatever to live a comfortable life in the land of our forbears; it’s what we all fear on some level. Look at the big picture and you can see that the Cold War was spurred by fears that resources would not be sufficient to support the burgeoning economies in the U.S. and what was then the U.S.S.R. (Of course it was also about annihilation, but that’s another fear entirely….)

OK, OK, enough with revisionist history. I’m interested in teaching you how you can throw the mental switch and see the paralyzing power of fear disappear from you life. And it can be done.

First of all, hidden in your mixed up thinking are the answers you are looking for. It is the inner knowing that all of us have when we trust ourselves.  Where you get off track is when you depend on others opinions and don’t listen to your inner voice. If the fear of falling into poverty raises its ugly head, it is as much because of your lack of confidence that you can earn enough, handle finances, than the fear of not having a coat on your back. So try these three steps to overcome fear.

1. Use your intuition: stop thinking that rationality is always the key to success. Whatever your first gut reaction is, it’s probably right, so go with it.
2. When someone tells you that what you want to do “can’t be done,” tell them “no, you’re wrong, and I’ll prove it!” Saying it out loud is critical because the mind will take cues from this and you will noticeably gain confidence.
3. In the words of my friend Stephanie Frank, “If it can be done now, do it now.” This will help you beat distractions and procrastination.

If you apply these steps to your problems, including those regarding finances, and you adhere to the confidence building declaration “No!” fear should have no more negative sway in way you conduct your life.