Stay on top of the bike maintenance. Don't over-torque, over/under inflate, use flimsy parts that do little more than lighten your wallet. This should give some peace of mind at the top of the hill as you look down.

Practice on the less imposing hills. With repetition, you're technique and confidence will improve. Move on to slightly steeper and/or longer hills.

Some key points: wear properly fitting sunglasses and make sure they're secure before you descend (poorly fitting glasses will cause the wind to make your eyes tear and this lack of vision can set you into panic mode); for the most part, keep your hips towards the back of the saddle; make subtle corrections for obstacles using body lean (a sharp turn of the handlebars will only result in a horrendous endo); remember to keep breathing; focus on a relaxed grip and supple elbows which will better absorb chatter or small hits; cross winds or the death shimmy can sometimes be muted with one or both knees pressed lightly against the top tube (if your frame geometry allows); do NOT ride the brakes as this can melt the glue on tubies or heat the rims enough to blow out the bead on clinchers.

Ignore the "go big or go home" advice. Anyone who is senseless enough to spray such rhetorical feces is gambling with YOUR health. Kinda like going all in with someone else's money. Not exactly brave in my book.

Be patient and don't try to turn into another Sean Yates overnight. With practice any given speed that was once terrifying will soon be manageable. When this happens, you'll know you can up the ante at your comfort level.

My first descent on a roadbike was down Big Cottonwood Canyon in Salt Lake; upper forties (with more brake dragging than was called for) felt like I was ripping the sound barrier. Now, I routinely descend Suncrest (also in Salt Lake) in mid to upper sixties; hopefully, I'll dial in the perfect psi and and crack seventy plus this year.