>> Why We Have This Emotion
Fear helps us detect potential danger. It also affects our memory, improving our chances of avoiding similar dangers in the future. We can also learn by observing fear reactions in others.
◎ What to do in the moment
Good Ideas
- Take slow, deep breaths
- Name the specific threat
- Name it as a fear, not a fact
- Separate possible from probable
- Plan your next tiny action
- Seek one disconfirming fact
- Write a plan B and C
Bad Ideas
- Dwell on worst case scenarios
- Avoid the situation completely
- Treat your feelings as true facts
- Use absolutes: “always” or “never”
- Delay decisions until you feel safe
- Prepare endlessly
- Google worst-case outcomes