Turning fear into excitement

You hear of athletes who talk about turning nerves into energy and excitement.
“I found that reappraising anxiety as excitement is more effective than trying to calm down.” a US study of pre-performance anxiety, researcher Alison Wood Brooks.
You see them at the start line of a running track or a game, usually focusing on what needs to happen next, visualizing the best outcome. The reason why they are at the top of their game is because they are able to control their mindset and emotions into positive energy and focus on the task at hand.
Dr Josephine Perry, a sports psychologist and author of The Psychology of Exercise, recommends following the three Ps: prepare brilliantly, practice lots and stay process-driven. 

Replicating this in everyday life can be harder as the occurrences of events which you wish to improve can be multiple times per day. Also turning everything into excitement or energy can be very draining, occasionally it is useful to be nervous. However doing small and regular training is better than neglecting to do anything.

Studies have shown that with training/therapy it is possible to change your mindset.
Redirecting the neurons pathway to make activities fun and exciting rather than nervous and fearful.

This can only be achieved by being aware when negative thoughts or situations occur and consciously altering how you react but this needs to be a reoccurring and can be a long process. Just like going for a run or the gym it takes time to strengthen and improve.

“You grow when you are outside your comfort zone.”
So why am I not as tall as a tree?

I seem to have many experiences outside of my comfort zone. I am not sure if this is because I have a small comfort zone or because I try and push myself.

I do not always recognise or appreciate the growth I experience so can get disheartened when I do not achieve goals. This is usually because I have overthought the activity or event and have set a high standard for myself. However I am learning that you do not always have to achieve perfection to be successful.
Sometime just enjoying yourself and surroundings can be enough.