Fear
Like any other emotion, fear serves to protect us from potential risks and dangers—something that has been ingrained in us for thousands of years. As human beings, we experience several types of fear: fear of failure; fear of loneliness; fear of rejection.
According to the Stoics, fear often stems from a lack of knowledge. But the more we face it (gradually and in controlled doses), the more it weakens. The goal here is to be able to understand fear, not to let it paralyze us.
„Don’t dwell too much on the problem… Imagination causes more suffering than reality.“
Seneca
A stoic approach to dealing with fear:
The dichotomy of control: Fear often stems from trying to control things that are beyond our control. We focus on what is within our control – our thoughts and reactions.
Negative visualization (Premeditatio Malorum): Considering the worst–case scenario that could happen before it actually occurs, in order to prepare. This way, we prepare our response, minimize the impact, and prove that our fear is exaggerated.
Life in the present: Be present in the moment. Fear is almost always linked to a future event. The Stoics often remind us to focus and live in the present moment – to pay attention to the things we’re doing and the things around us, and to draw from them everything we need for our personal growth and self–awareness.
„Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.“
Marcus Aurelius
What you can do
Name the fear
What are you afraid of?
Get Ready
Is there anything you can do in advance?
To face him gradually
Fear diminishes when you face it head–on.
Envision the worst-case scenario
What could happen? Is it really that bad?
Determine whether it's within our control
Does anything depend on us?
Take action or accept
If we can, we act. If not, we accept it.