Exposure Therapy: How to Overcome Any Fear

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What if I told you it was possible to overcome your biggest fear? Well, it is. I am about to break down exactly how.
In this video, I take two women who are terrified of driving and by the end, have them driving supercars, drifting on race tracks, and taking a road trip across the country.
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I am Mark Manson, 3x #1 NY Times bestselling author of:
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**ck - mrk.mn/3svfxcu
Everything Is F**cked: A Book About Hope - mrk.mn/2RNxVAD
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[@norasimon9018]

Hey everyone, this is Nora! Happy to report that I have driven on the freeway multiple times since this video was shot. 😁 🎉 Believe me: If I can overcome my fear you can too! A huge thank you to Mark and his team for showing me that my limits are much farther than I think. Also, fun fact: this was my first time meeting Angelika in person. Nothing like getting scared out of your mind with someone to solidify a friendship amirite? Angelika: you’re my ride or die!! 💜

[@TheBrendonKasa]

YAY

[@andriahastings7007]

That’s fantastic way to go conquering that you can do anything you put your mind to. Proud of you both.❤

[@mansukhsingh2596]

Well done Nora! More power to you from India!💛

[@wonderingworld119]

That was epic. One thing I am noticing from these videos is we, as humans, seem pretty good at taking a rational slight anxiety and blowing it up to the point where the fear itself affects us in irrational ways. Mark says in one of his books "just go and do something" and that phrase alone has helped me a bit. Shame self help doesn't involve looking at screens and not doing things on an ever growing list, because I am really great at doing that.

[@louisevessey3839]

Way to go! You must feel so accomplished and more free! Congratulations!

[@angelikas3629]

Hey, it’s Angelika. For a long time I didn’t even realize how deeply the accident affected me, but when I moved to the US from Europe, there is no way around it, you have to drive everywhere, I was faced with this paralyzing anxiety every time I got in the car. I honestly felt shame and judgement as “it’s just driving, everyone does it.” Starting driving when you are an adult is very different from starting when you are a teenager. Instead of focusing on the freedom and independence that the car can give, you worry about the responsibility you take on for everyone on the road, that many forget when driving. Overcoming my fear wouldn't have been possible without the support and encouragement of Mark, Nora and the amazing team. You've truly changed my life with this incredible experience. My anxiety is not gone, but now I know that I can push through it. And so can you! I hope this video will help many people start their journey like we did and show that your fears don’t have to control you. Take it one step at a time. Most importantly, I'm grateful for the friendships built on this adventure! Nora, I can’t wait to visit you in LA and drive around together again.😉

[@norasimon9018]

Angelika!!! I can’t believe we did this together and yes, we need a reunion road trip!

[@markus9541]

Well done girls! Fear is a dragon, and you have slain it. 😎

[@youtubech12345]

A dragon is mmy spirit animal and is good 😢​@@markus9541

[@youtubech12345]

Wow great job Nora and Angelika. You are héroes ❤

[@F615yo]

Good job Angelika!!

[@MarkYaman]

This is easily the best content on youtube currently, please keep doing what you doing Mark.....

[@cygnusvideo]

agreed

[@user-qe7bt9dz1l]

You couldn’t possibly know that considering you haven’t seen every single video on KZbin.

[@jpmiller03]

I know MarkYaman and he has watched every video on KZbin so you owe him an apology@@user-qe7bt9dz1l

[@nategubbins8871]

Raise your hand if you're a buzzkill 😂​@@user-qe7bt9dz1l

[@dietbajablast5790]

I like it too, but "easily the best content on youtube" is a bit hyperbolic, no?

[@cirestamey9243]

"The best things in life are on the other side of our fears." 11:23

[@allforone5955]

Dar ke aage jeet hai- Mountain dew catchphrase in India.

[@alf3071]

bro one of my biggest fears was my bike getting stolen which happened, and losing a girl I really liked, which also happened, I don't feel less fear now, what am I doing wrong? It's like it only made me more paranoid

[@bibekneupane4192]

​@@alf3071you were not ready for it, exposure only works if you're prepared

[@kennethj1956]

My greatest fear was riding my unicycle on the roof, blindfolded, jugging oranges. Sadly I dropped the oranges.

[@migojolo2933]

The best things in life are on the other side of a fart

[@cygnusvideo]

The content you're putting up lately is the best stuff I've seen on this platform in a very long time. Can't wait to see what you have next

[@wagenna]

Agreed, Mark is definitely on a roll of great content lately!

[@georginenov]

Word! Way to go, Mark 👏

[@flowmovementtherapy2096]

As someone who grew up taught to fear absolutely everything, and then single-handedly deciding to tackle layers of anxiety in grad school, this is a very well thought out process to address fears in a constructive way. Fantastic work!

[@aftabhussain4036]

I literally told my friend about my fear of driving yesterday. We have created a similar strategy almost feels like you just read my mind. p.s the first step is to openly accept and talk about a fear that you have, and not be ashamed of it.

[@debrafitchette3749]

Congratulations to you both on conquering your fears! I am 60 years old tomorrow and have never learned to swim. I refuse to live with this fear any longer! Thank you so much for your inspiration! ❤

[@the_ab101]

"Do what you fear, and the death of fear is certain."

[@pushpaaguptaa]

The only way to conquer your fears is to face it!

[@ricklubbers1526]

Nope.

[@Pluralofvinylisvinyls]

😮

[@d3v46]

yeh no shit pushpa

[@saisiddhartha5375]

Taggede le

[@JaysonT1]

@@ricklubbers1526 Then stay afraid

[@VoidBoiStar]

11:18 I am I sitting alone in my room and literally fist-pumping and screaming, "YESSSS! GET. IT. GURL." when she hit 125 mph! I seriously got chills. Good job Angelika! And Nora! You're the best in the biz Mark! This was such a great vid.

[@DalleDC]

Having someone to just be there and be supportive while you face your fears is awesome.

[@tennchann]

Hello, Mark. I am just a teenager trying to discover himself and your content is always helpful. I want you to know that all of your content is helping thousands and millions of people. How you communicate with people and how you show them to be better is totally amazing. I inspire to become like you. Please keep making this kind of contents. I will do my best to become a person that could do these things like you do while learning and enjoying life including with your content. Thank you for everything, you're amazing.

[@George_Carter]

Hey Mirza... YOU are amazing too... wish I had been like you when I was a teen... keep up the good work!

[@VivianValeriena]

Damn.. That's good for you! I'm no longer a teenager but if I were I'd still wish to be exposed to Mark's content just like you I'm happy for you! Keep going 💃🏻💃🏻

[@jaquelinelutz]

As someone who has learned to drive and got my license this year after putting it off for years because of fear and anxiety this video made me super emotional!

[@mallariasart]

ive been putting off doing drivings license for 12 years now.. im so anxious of driving, but im also having dreams when i drive and im happy and free. its such a confusing feeling haha.. i really want to do it tho ^^'

[@jaquelinelutz]

@@mallariasart I always thought I couldn't do it because I wasn't very confident in myself but I had so many moments of daydreaming about driving that it was very clear it was something I wanted 😂 it was kind of a moment of you know what, f it, I'm going to do it and it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be! I had fun doing the lessons and now driving still gives me a bit of anxiety but I truly enjoy and have fun with it. New year coming, maybe 2024 is the year where you get your driving license! Believe in yourself and get people to support you that I swear you're going to succeed and how proud you feel about yourself afterwards is totally worth it and the freedom that comes with it too!

[@viperjul]

I was crying watching this video as I have anxiety of driving and could deeply relate. Working and pushing through the fear, but it’s pretty challenging.

[@BrandonOConnell-te6dx]

Mark Manson i love how youre life and changed many other people I love whenever I see one of you're videos comeup on my feed because I know its not garbage its going to be like a self improvement video with the awesomeness of mrbeast

[@CottonCoins]

Dude I love his videos there so exiting ive only seen them for a bit now but I love these videos

[@heronoverdose]

As someone who struggles with driving myself I really appreciated this one, the trip at the end was great.

[@conniema4218]

Damn why am I all tear up watching stranger hitting 120mph 🥺 good job girl

[@giulianos.1117]

I teared up multiple times watching this video, I have a strong traumas about driving and I litterally did things much much harder and more complex than willingly drive a stupid car, ALSO because of that fear. I ended up moving abroad in a place where I don't need a car, but I know I will need to face that fear eventually and I absolutely love and agree with the breakdown you offered us in this video

[@Selsmittenxo]

Which area are you in if you don't mind? O: and do you work remote?

[@APOLLINAIREBARTHOLOMIEU]

Psychedelics are just an exceptional mental health breakthrough. It's quite fascinating how effective they are against depression and anxiety. Saved my life.

[@elizabethwilliams6651]

Can you help with the reliable source I would really appreciate it. Many people talk about mushrooms and psychedelics but nobody talks about where to get them. Very hard to get a reliable source here in Australia. Really need!

[@steceymorgan814]

Yes, dr.sporessss. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.

[@twinfred3160]

I wish they were readily available in my place. Microdosing was my next plan of care for my husband. He is 59 & has so many mental health issues plus probable CTE & a TBI that left him in a coma 8 days. It's too late now I had to get a TPO as he's 6'6 300+ pound homicidal maniac. He's constantly talking about killing someone. He's violent. Anyone reading this Familiar w/ BPD know if it is common for an obsession with violence.

[@elizabethwilliams6651]

Is he on instagram?

[@steceymorgan814]

Yes he is. dr.sporessss

[@marsalisvince]

I didn’t realize I I was doing a lot of these by myself when it came to singing because I knew I had a great voice. Started with singing around my best friend, then groups of friends, then challenging myself to sing randomly in public and then the ultimate test was when my friends wanted me to hop on stage and sing karaoke in front of like a hundred people. It was one of the most freeing experiences of my life and I sing in front of anyone and anywhere now.

[@jamesgerth4471]

You inspire me so much to achieve my goals. I'm gonna overcome my social anxiety whatever it takes!

[@WTFIWFYDB]

Ask 5 random cashiers “How is your day?”

[@roxycocksey]

I used to be really anxious about driving too so I can empathize with them. I didn’t get my drivers license till I was 19 and even then I refused to drive on the highway for about a year. So, I didn’t have the fear as extreme as them but it was definitely there. I only get anxious now when there’s someone else in the car with me because it makes me feel like I’m being judged which in turn causes me to make mistakes I normally wouldn’t make.

[@user-ck1fg7pb9m]

This literally made my eyes sprinkle. This is the best content on KZbin EASILY!! Keep it up mark ❤️

[@ananyamurali6963]

I struggled with this exact fear for over a year and it took so many tries and fails to find the most effective way to deal with it, you have no idea the impact you have on people’s lives, I can’t wait for your next video!

[@akirataifu8470]

That was the best ad for BetterHelp ever

[@TeddySheehan]

This is just crazy! Sometimes my heart beat so fast, yet I'm crying a little bit too because this was very heartwarming! 🙌

[@Lichfeldian--Suttonian]

I have struggled with my fears at work and I am on to a winner with that one! I also struggle with having to be “charged” as a man to be the only person carrying out certain tasks with relationships, that is, feeling that I must be a masculine superhero, especially financially. Mark, you lift me up with your videos. Now, my next step is to feel happy about dating _without_ the need to have “£1,000” in my wallet and just have a great time meeting the right one.

[@levingerloff4313]

This guy is out there really changing lives. Love you content and your books.

[@gameoflife4434]

One of the best video on youtube. Thank you for uploading it. Gratitude 😊

[@tuams]

I like this series. Not only you're helping people get over fears, you're also doing it in a way that is fun for you. Great combination!

[@mattstephentabamocosmic]

This is very life reflecting and super inspiring, for someone who also have troubles and anxiety about driving this gives a big boost, perspective, and motivation to just do it, be exposed, and its okay to get wrong and experience it, because we all feel it at some way and at some point. You define how you associate driving to your life. Thanks Sir Mark. Fun fact: Your book was actually one of the first self-development books I've read and I'm beyond grateful for it, because it was the period that my urge to read and habitually do it, rised again.

[@loopkill]

Thank you for everything, Mark. You are the harsh hope and brutal positivity that world desperately needs right now. Much love and respect

[@darrylday30]

Absolutely Mark’s best video yet.

[@alexy-lf]

Just amazing ! This is probably my favorite video on the entire platform ❤️. Please continue this format

[@nethmiyuganjana2353]

My biggest fear is being a failure and being humiliated for not being able to perform well. I'm afraid to even apply for jobs because I feel like I know nothing and will be rejected, but my friends who know nothing have jobs. I know this is a form of fear I have to overcome. I want to put myself out there and allow myself to fail, to feel dumb. Thank you for this video. If you can, please make a video on how to be more social and ask for help from people. Thanks again. Much love from Sri Lanka. ❤️

[@one93media]

Entertaining and helpful, great vid as always Mark!

[@frankohrabar5916]

This is so important to see. The world needs more of videos like this!

[@Mou._.Hamed20]

Truly this is the best video i watched for a long time ,Thanks Mark

[@mlowe7245]

This was so cool!! Thank you, Mark. Congrats to Nora and Angelika. You did it!!

[@obnoxious-cackle]

Mind is blown right now. just Clicked on this because I have a fear of driving and that’s the fear that you are directly addressing 😮

[@dificulttocure]

This is all nice and good, for superficial fears that are based on concrete material things, like spiders, driving or heights. But what if you have deep fears like loneliness or regret?

[@scottyrocket1490]

You and I are on the same page here: abandonment, betrayal, rejection. Fear of suffering, family, friends dying, becoming homeless, sick, losing all my money, fear of failure, life's regrets. Perhaps this type of work is not "fun video" worthy and is for the therapy sponsor he mentioned ;-)

[@carteryin-chen2411]

What you bring to this world is so awesome, Mark. The teachings you (perhaps unknowingly) gave me once upon a time eventually became the foundations of what I believe today, for that I am truly grateful. Finding myself in a pit of not quite despair, but also not what I would call a fun place that makes facing my fears easier - watching this video, hearing your voice, seeing the genuine looks of joy and relief on the faces of these girls, as if they'd just been released from a hundred years of suffering - eases the spirit and reminds me that there are some really cool human beings out there. I just thought you and the girls should know that. Really really well done Nora and Angelika, you both have my respect for what you've achieved, even more so, you have both bolstered my resolve in my own situation, thank you and take care of yourselves.

[@hgg324]

Amazing. I am actually in tears watching this for the second time. I am also afraid of driving. I drove with no problems for decades, then in my 40's the fear started. Both of these women did amazing! I need to face the fear, it is so limiting.

[@evanm.jacobson1514]

This was worth watching! I learned a lot about facing fear. Thank you, Mark!

[@The_Night_Phoenix]

This has to be one of your best truly inspiring to keep us all on the right path thank you so much 🎉 I've never had so much fun for past 3 years. I am grateful it only took me 30 to get out and have fun

[@KiNNiK69]

This video deserves more attention 🔥🐐 I mean the structure the information the improvement of people’s lives and yet it’s entertaining One of the best videos I have seen this year

[@onlinesarfaraz]

One of the best channel on KZbin. Great content . Thanks Mark Manson

[@peterr.7641]

This video brought tears to my eyes - great job man. Thank you.

[@Shuffletraveler]

it was so inspiring and so cool seeing them get through their fear and actually having fun. thanks for helping them Mark. 😍

[@fil5657]

I was shocked when Angelika drove the ferrari. I cried for joy. I never had this experience by WATCHING A VIDEO ON KZbin I do hope i can beat my fears too, not sure how to start, but thabk you for this heartbreaking content

[@BrentHyman-ld9sy]

Absolutely loving your content, Mark! Keep up the great work!

[@isalutfi]

Hi Mark! Thank you for sharing this great thing. Keep up! 🌟🧡

[@shadowsnake5034]

This is very insightful and fun to watch content...Thank you Mark ❤️

[@stualasitwala7292]

I dare say, you are,,,,a Good person. The patience, empathy and just mere niceness to those ladies, makes you a Good person. #inspired.

[@Van00766]

Oh .❤I found my favorite person, mentor and favorite KZbinr ❤🎉🎉Thank you so much Mark

[@quirky_miss04]

You are easily the bestttttttttt content creator aka self help guru ever especially for gen z… thank u mark i needed this push… wish someone like u was in my life to push me forward like this 😭😭✨

[@helenepro1093]

Totally agreed with the plan. I suffered from the same fear and bought myself a cute pink Fiat500 for enjoying the ride and faced so many smiles and nice comments. It really helped

[@alexrosca1988]

you are a good man, Mark, really inspiring content.

[@life_Simplified.]

I appreciate the effort you have put to make this video. Incredible

[@user-mn5zo2vz7s]

The quality of your videos is becoming better❤

[@nAIT369]

What if I am scared of life?, then would dying make me fearless 😂

[@rehaansh618]

Bro i am scared of doing anything! Can't even die😂

[@JOSClaudess]

If you are scared of life your fear is to live

[@nAIT369]

@@JOSClaudess man you're right , you pointed out the stupidity of this sentence.

[@taliagula]

Yooo give whoever is your video editor a serious raise. They are talented as hell! Also great content and great message. Hope to apply this in my life

[@RehabScience]

Graded exposure is a strategy we use in the treatment of pain as well. Great content!

[@tudorpavel4681]

This is amazing! This is the type of content that is gonna help us change in a positive way, keep it up!

[@rail7646]

very fun video to watch, I was genuinely happy for them with a few takeaways for myself as well

[@brucifurrose9956]

This is one of my favorites. Merry Christmas, Mark

[@claudiafaria591]

That’s a great way to go girls. I love your videos and they make me pull l myself forward. Go girls. Thanks Mark

[@liamdoes8580]

This guy is the goat of self help. His books, videos etc. everything ive comsumed from this guy has helped me in some way He is a genius when it comes to self help

[@mearetom]

Educating and helping at same time! Great job Mason, you remind me to just not care.

[@thibaultwalter4889]

Awesome video, self improvement in action backed up with theory 👌🏻 love it thanks mark !

[@preethishreeya8035]

Love the content! Thanks, Mark

[@ActuallyJamesS]

I love these videos, well done Mark. Great content and very helpful to many. 'Do it with a friend' can be hard for those isolated and with fears though.

[@Tsering2001]

This type of content really is inspiring. I loved it!.. Thanks mark❤

[@SethNobrega]

Keep them coming man! Another great video 👍

[@BooozyTheClown]

"You can't half-ass a fear, you have to go all in." This is potentially deadly advice. Fear exists for good reason. Please take that statement for what it is, fear of something statistically safe. These women did a great first step, and are nowhere near safe to be on roads and won't be for many months of repetition.

[@agusrusso6087]

I love that your videos are interesting but also easy to watch, most of the times interesting videos require a lot of brain attention to keep track of whats going on and I love that I can sit back to watch yours and being able to breath for a second

[@name_adi]

God that was a beautiful video. Literally the emotions , the editing, the music, the direction in which it was going. It was so FUCKING good!

[@Patowtow]

12:42 Those reactions are so incredibly wholesome 😍

[@mo7amed3babneh70]

Although the video is kinda known knowledge but its so encouraging that you want to do it! Amazing content mark , really high quality stuff . Keep on going

[@bernardreilly5263]

Thank you.... amazing journey !

[@user-me9pz7tl4m]

What an awesome video, I’ve never heard anybody address overcoming fears the way you did. I feel ready and equipped to face mine, thank you so much for this.

[@hugoestrada2089]

This was needed today. Thank you

[@neiraxx]

Wonderful production and advice!

[@phillipduplessis6425]

Mark you and your team produce such good videos. Way better than those big brand productions!!!

[@Un-scripted]

This guy comes up with top notch ideas for videos everytime. 😂

[@randymanyayi2000]

Thank you, Mark.

[@stefano.angeloni]

Friendship and fun are the key. Thank you Mark for these amazing movies!

[@jakobe234]

Currently trying to re-learn how to swim being very anxious in the water and i could definitely relate to the anxiety that these women were feeling but im also already noticing how good i feel about myself after every session Love this content!

[@saurabhdome]

Mark, All of your videos have “optimism” in common, one holds a lot of potential just by keeping hopes in anything and working towards achieving it. Thanks for making the videos though, it has a huge impact on my life. Do make videos on addition sometime, because I am addicted to ones which you make.

[@NaickKim]

I almost feel like you made this video specifically for me, because later today I am going volcano boarding down the slopes of a volcano in Nicaragua and I was freaking the f*** out just now because I am scared of heights and fast speeds. Opened KZbin to see this upload and man... I think you just saved me from my own brain ruining this whole experience for me :) still scared, but way less. Thanks Mark!

[@lakshana642]

Woah, I think I now know to fight all of my fears. Thanks Mark.

[@johncstory]

I needed this at the exact time right now

[@pranitmane]

Love your videos Mark.. I am struggling with social interactions, and i think i need more Exposure..

[@jennykin9721]

Same😖

[@christian_zitney]

This is empowering. I love your stuff man

[@elyzatorres3351]

thank you very much for making this kind of video

[@CONSC]

Thank you mark for the great content

[@rajeshenghi7417]

I am also gonna overcome my fears! Thanks for this video, Mark ❣️

[@Jorgp314]

You got this!

[@chelseodende3211]

Your content is just amazing🤌, thank u for this video, maximum respect 👏👏👏👏👏

[@steelcurtain187]

This was uplifting for sure 👏