Prompt 04: 🔍 🧠 Fear Setting
It’s quite coincidental that I’m reading ‘The 4-Hour Work Week’ by Tim Ferriss, and I have a related prompt. But first, take a look at the video below, and then we can begin!
P.S. I use prompts from The Journal Prompt newsletters since I enjoy reading them!
Your fears are a kind of prison that confines you within a limited range of action. The less you fear, the more power you will have and the more fully you will live. —Robert Greene
I’ve watched the entire video and taken some notes. Here’s my fear-setting chart:
First Step: What if I…
| – Goal – What do you want to do? | – Define – The worst things that could happen if you took the step. | – Prevent – What could you do to prevent each of these points from happening or decrease the likelihood? | – Repair – If the worst-case scenario happens, what could you do to repair the damage (even a little bit) or who could I ask for help? |
| Create digital products to sell on Etsy. | The products won’t sell as expected. | Take time to research what products sell well on Etsy and create my product list. | Begin a new venture or establish that Etsy shop regardless! |
| Run a marathon. | DNF (it has happened!) | Practice and do it again. And start slow this time! | I’ve experienced a DNF before, and I understand the disappointment. But my determination is unwavering; I’m committed to crossing that finish line, come what may. |
| Have a remote freelancing job. | I won’t like the work. | Check the pros and cons of taking up that job thoroughly before confirming. Also, negotiate well with the recruiter. | I’m handing in my resignation and kicking off a new venture! |
Next Step: What might be the benefits of an attempt or partial success?
- I will be honing my design skills and creating digital goods as a side gig to gradually make money.
- Become physically fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Work on ideas and projects that will advance my career, widen my network, and provide revenue to support my interests.
Last Step: The Cost of Inaction
| 6 Months | 1 Year | 3 Years |
| Won’t really impact me | I will probably feel FOMO for not starting. | I will definitely regret not trying even once. |
| I will gain weight | I will start disliking myself and feel low due to how I may start looking | I can’t think about it! |
| It will lower my confidence | Will definitely take a blow on my professional skills | I have been unemployed since 2023, and it isn’t fun. It’s hard to imagine what happens to me if I stay unemployed for three years. |
What is your take on the Fear-Setting exercise by Tim Ferris? Have you tried doing this exercise? Comment below or share a link to your post for me to see and give you a shoutout!
Thank you so much for reading this post. Cheers!
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