Download a free, printable worksheet that guides you through the fear-setting process that Tim Ferriss uses.
The worksheet includes:
- Step-by-step instructions
- The 3 critical pages with the questions described by Tim Ferriss.
Download it as often as you need!
Fear-setting process
You will need 3 sheets of paper for this process.
First, write down your fear – the thing you need to take action on.
On the first page you’ll have 3 sections.
Define: Write down all the worst things you imagine happening if you do the thing. Then rate them on a scale of 1 (minimal,temporary impact) – 10 (maximum, permanent impact)
Prevent: Write down what you can do to prevent each of those things from happening, or decrease the likelihood of them happening.
Repair: If the worst case things happen, what could you do to repair the damage, even a bit, or who could you ask for help?
On the second page, write down all the possible benefits that could happen if you try the thing. Then rate them from 1 (minimal, temporary impact) – 10 (maximum, permanent impact).
On the third page think about the cost of inaction. If you don’t even try, what will the cost be? What will your life be like in 6 months, 1 year, 3 years?
Finally, reflect on what you’ve written. This should give you a clear, practical and rational view of the benefits of taking action vs. the cost of the status quo.
About fear-setting
Tim Ferriss’ fear-setting is a simple but powerful exercise that involves fully envisioning and writing down your fears in detail. The exercise is designed to help you overcome self-paralysis and take action by defining your fears instead of your goals. By listing out everything you fear about the idea of taking action, you can gain new insight and understanding about your fears, which can help you thrive in high-stress environments and separate yourself from the competition. Ferriss recommends doing this exercise at least once a quarter, often once a month, and it has helped him to avoid catastrophic mistakes and produce his biggest business and personal successes.
Watch the TED talk
This was the talk that started it all.