Our dreams rarely come true because we are afraid to try, take risks and experiment. Entrepreneur Timothy Ferris advises asking yourself a few questions. Answering them will help overcome indecision and fear.
To do or not to do? To try or not to try? Most people don’t and don’t try. Uncertainty and fear of failure outweigh the desire to succeed and be happy. For many years I set goals, promised myself to find my way, but nothing happened because I was scared and insecure, like many in this world.
Time passed, I made mistakes, I failed, but then I created a checklist that makes the decision-making process much easier. If you are afraid to make bold decisions, it will be an antidote for you. Try not to think about the question for more than two minutes and write down your answers.
1. Imagine the worst possible scenario
What doubts arise when you think about the changes you can or should make? Imagine them in great detail. Will it be the end of the world? How will they affect your life on a scale of 1 to 10? Will this impact be temporary, long-term or permanent?
2. What steps can you take if you fail?
You took a risk, but did not get what you dreamed of. Think about how you can take control of the situation.
A person’s success is measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations they decide to have.
3. What results or benefits can you get if the possible scenario comes to fruition?
By now, you have already identified the worst possible scenario. Now think about the positive results, both internal (gaining confidence, increased self-esteem) and external. How significant will their impact on your life be (from 1 to 10)? How likely is a positive scenario for the development of events? Find out if anyone has done something similar before.
4. If you get fired from your job today, what will you do to avoid financial hardship?
Imagine what you would do and go back to questions 1-3. Ask yourself the question: How quickly can I get back to my old career if I quit my job now to try to do what I dream of?
5. What activities are you putting off because of fear?
We are usually most afraid to do what is most important now. Often we do not dare to make an important call and cannot arrange a meeting in any way, because we do not know what will come of it. Identify the worst case scenario, accept it, and take the first step. You may be surprised, but a person’s success is measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations that he decided on.
It’s better to take a risk and lose than to regret a lifetime of missing a chance.
Make a promise to yourself to regularly do something you fear. I acquired this habit when I tried to contact famous people for advice.
6. What are the physical, emotional, and financial costs of putting off your actions until later?
It is unfair to think only of the negative consequences of actions. You also need to evaluate the possible consequences of your inaction. If you don’t do what inspires you now, what will happen to you in a year, five or ten years? Are you ready to continue to live as before, for many years to come? Imagine yourself in the future and rate how likely you are to see a person who is disappointed in life, bitterly regretting that he did not do what he should have done (from 1 to 10). It is better to take a risk and lose than to regret the unused chance all your life.
7. Kedu ihe ị na-eche?
If you can’t clearly answer this question, but use excuses like «the time is right,» you’re just afraid, like most people in this world. Appreciate the cost of inaction, realize that almost all mistakes can be corrected, and cultivate the habit of successful people: take action in any situation, and do not wait for better times.