This fear of the doctor is quite normal, and also something you can overcome. Think about it: You're afraid to see the very people who know your body best and spent years learning about diseases and treatment.

If you suppress a goal you really want to achieve out of fear, it can create added stress. I have learned through much trial and error to take the risk. Here are some of the ways I have learned to move forward -- despite my fears.

For the next few weeks, see if you can shift your perspective and take the focus off of the results and achievements in your life and put all your energy into learning and growing.

Making peace with your anxiety and not fighting it is a concept used in everyday mindfulness training that was first introduced to me years ago when I was grappling with severe symptoms of anxiety.

The sunshine provided a brief reprieve during the daylight hours, in "aha, I can do this, just bask, forget my troubles" moments. The fact was, I was depressed as all hell and it seemed there was no way to shake it, despite the season.

Acknowledging that we -- rather than a lack of information -- are generally the largest obstacle to action is the first step in becoming clear on exactly what and how much information we really do need.

If you want to calm the fears of others around you -- and yours, yourself -- then have everyone share such a story of making it through a difficult time that they didn't think they would.

Shame is the primary indicator of not belonging to oneself. In shame, you belong to other people's eyes.