Outwitting Fear: A Solo Traveler's Guide Inspired by 'Outwitting The Devil'
How 'Outwitting The Devil' Can Help You Conquer Fears and Thrive as a Solo Traveler
When a Dream Becomes a Nightmare—or Does It Have To?
Recently, Taylor Swift’s Vienna concerts were canceled due to a foiled terrorism plot. While this could have been a devastating blow to her fans, they didn’t let fear ruin their experience. Instead, they gathered in the streets, got engaged to "Love Story," danced, and celebrated together, exchanging friendship bracelets. The absence of Taylor herself didn’t stop them from finding joy.
I texted a friend about the incident, saying, “Wasn’t that unfortunate, what happened in Vienna?”
Their reply? “Yeah, that’s scary. It sucks because I’d love to travel there (Vienna, not necessarily the concert).”
“But why?” I responded. “You can still go.”
When news like the Vienna incident hits, we have two choices: We can be brave, like the Swifties who found joy amidst uncertainty, or we can let fear control us, missing out on experiences that could enrich our lives.
This brings me to the book Outwitting The Devil by Napoleon Hill, a book that profoundly influenced my approach to solo travel and life. In this article, I’ll share how its lessons can help you overcome fear and embrace the adventures that await you.
Outwitting the Devil of Self-Made Fear
In Outwitting The Devil, Hill has a conversation with "The Devil," who is a personification of fear. This fear thrives in our self-doubt, uncertainties, and inaction—what Hill calls "drifting."
Even the most seasoned travelers can fall victim to "drifting," where fear and self-doubt paralyze us. As a solo female traveler and travel advisor, I’ve had moments where fear took over, leading me to cancel trips—decisions I later regretted.
Here are the steps I use, both for myself and my clients, to outwit fear and fully enjoy the travel experiences we dream of.
Acknowledge Your Fears
The first step in overcoming fear is to acknowledge it. Hill emphasizes that facing our fears head-on is crucial.
As a solo female traveler, it's normal to have concerns. Write them down, speak them out loud, and recognize that these fears are valid but not insurmountable.
Example:
In 2022, I attended a live meetup with an online community I’d been part of for years. One of the activities was a ropes course. I’m afraid of heights. But in a moment of overconfidence, I signed up and paid for the experience. Let me rephrase: I AM TERRIFIED OF HEIGHTS.
The thought of climbing those ropes had my "devil" whispering all sorts of fears—falling, getting hurt, relying on strangers. But I had committed, so there was no turning back.
Challenge the Fear
Hill encourages us to challenge our fears by questioning their validity. Ask yourself:
What is the worst that could happen?
How likely is it that my fears will come true?
Often, we find that our fears are exaggerated or based on misconceptions. As a travel advisor, I help my clients see that with proper planning, solo travel can be safe and incredibly rewarding.
Example:
On the day of the ropes course, I watched a woman in front of me cry the entire way up. My inner "devil" whispered that I could quit too, save myself the embarrassment. But I challenged that fear. I had come this far, and I wasn’t about to back down.
Develop a Definite Purpose
One of Hill's key messages is the power of having a definite purpose. When you have a clear goal for your travels, it becomes easier to push through the fear.
Whether it's exploring new cultures, finding peace in solitude, or proving your independence, having a strong "why" can be a powerful motivator.
Example:
I reminded myself that I had signed up for this meetup to push my boundaries. I wanted to grow, to meet new people, to challenge myself. That purpose got me up the two-story rope faster than I thought possible—tears and all.
Take Informed Action
Fear often stems from the unknown. Equip yourself with knowledge and resources. Research your destination and activities thoroughly.
Example:
Before the ropes course, I listened to all the safety briefings and did the fall tests. I understood that even if I did fall, the harness would keep me safe. I wasn’t in a Final Destination movie—everything was going to be fine.
Embrace the Growth
Hill argues that overcoming fear leads to personal growth and development. Every solo trip you take is a step toward becoming a more self-reliant, resilient, and empowered individual. Embrace the challenges and triumphs of solo travel as opportunities for growth. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.
Example:
The ropes course taught me the value of teamwork, personal strength, and being strong for others. It was an experience that pushed my comfort zone and led to growth I hadn’t expected.
Conclusion: Outwit Your Own Fears
Outwitting The Devil teaches us that fear is often self-created, and we have the power to overcome it. This book was recommended to me as I was embarking on a new journey—moving from sunny California to Minnesota for a job. The decision was daunting, but reading this book helped me confront my fears and take the leap.
Just like I accepted that job offer, you too can outwit your fears and embark on new adventures. If you need guidance, support, or just a bit of encouragement, I’m here to help.
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What did you think of the article? I’d love your feedback.