When you first started mountain biking, did you have a problem with exposed edges/drop-offs? How did you get over that?

I've been told night riding is the best way to get over it because you can only see what the light illuminates and you learn to totally focus on that. That does make sense to me, but as a beginner, I don't think my skills or confidence level is ready for that.

I do already have the "falling off the edge" thing taken care of, and neither me nor my mountain bike were hurt in the process I really try to focus down the trail, but inevitably my eye gets drawn by that edge...I do have a fear of heights so this is probably complicating things.

Right now I figure the best I can do is each time I ride the exposed portions of the trail is to try to ride it a little further than I did last time before I walk the rest of it. My line is straighter than it once was, and at least I am not in heart-pounding fear of that edge

It would be helpful to read that others have overcome this, and I understand it is quite common for novice mountain bikers.