Fear setting: a quarterly exercise used by Tim Ferriss

Ahhh…fear. That sneaky voice that tells you, “No, don’t do that. That isn’t a good idea. It’s better to just be as you are. Change? No, not for me.”

It’s easy to fall into the pattern of listening to that voice…To wonder if perhaps this is your intuition. It feels real. And, let’s face it, change is really scary.

So why do we have this loud voice inside of us? Neuroscience tells us that one of the primary roles of our mind is to keep us safe. Evolutionarily, this meant staying as we were…Not venturing too far, not trying that new berry that might be poisonous, not wandering too far from the safety of our cave. But, we live in a different world now, and our minds have not caught up.

What can we do to face our fears? In this article, I will discuss an exercise recommended by the one and only, Tim Ferriss. Let’s get into it.

The Fear Setting Process:

1. Define Your Fear:

Start by identifying the specific fear or decision that's been holding you back. It could be related to your career, relationships, or personal growth. Be clear about what's been troubling you.

2. List the Worst-Case Scenarios:

Now, imagine the worst possible outcomes of taking action or making that decision. Write them all down, no matter how unlikely they seem. This step helps you confront your fears head-on.

3. Mitigation Strategies:

For each of the worst-case scenarios, brainstorm ways to mitigate the potential harm. Think about what you can do to reduce the likelihood of these negative outcomes occurring. Has anyone in history overcome these things? This process helps you take a practical approach to your fears.

4. Benefits of Taking Action:

Explore the potential benefits of facing your fear or making the decision. Consider how your life could improve, what goals you could achieve, and what positive changes could come your way. What might be the benefit of even partial action… How might you grow? What skills would you learn?

5. Costs of Inaction:

Think about the cost of not taking action and succumbing to fear. What opportunities might you miss? How could your life be negatively impacted if you avoid making a decision? What would your life look like in 6 months if you do not take action?

6. Decide and Take Action:

After completing the fear-setting exercise, make a decision based on the insights you've gained. This could involve setting clear goals, committing to action steps, or facing your fear head-on. The key is to act with purpose.

Why Fear Setting Works:

Why does this seemingly silly exercise work? Fear setting allows you to confront your fears in a structured and systematic way. It transforms vague, paralyzing anxieties into concrete challenges with potential solutions. By breaking down your fears and worst-case scenarios, you gain a sense of control and clarity that empowers you to make informed decisions.

It’s so easy to look around at others and imagine they have some courage that you don’t…that they aren’t fearful. The truth is that we all feel fear. It’s what we choose to do with it that makes all the difference.

A final quote: “We suffer more in imagination than in reality” -Seneca

Music can be a powerful conduit for change. Here is a song recommendation that you may find inspiring: https://open.spotify.com/track/157YsVQ3ijH1S5wTAK43Hi?si=f90af88d82a844d6