Tim Ferris method for those who want to overcome fears and to realize a dream

What you fear often prevents you make a step towards the dream. This simple exercise will help to analyze the fears and the possible consequences of your actions.

Tim Ferriss

The American writer, speaker and investor.

Tim Ferriss became widely known in 2007 after the release of his book "How to work 4 hours a week». According to the writer, he published a book for a reason. In 2004, his life was turned upside down. Tim threw the groom and his friend died from pancreatic cancer. Most of the time Ferris dedicated business he was engaged in food additives. While he could not stay awake and sleep without pills. "It was a complete nightmare. I felt cornered "- Tim recalls.

Revise his views made the words of the Roman Stoic philosopher Seneca:

We are more likely to suffer from the imagination rather than from reality.

In one of the books of Seneca Ferris I read about exercise premeditatio malorum, which can be translated as "thinking through adversity." Tim has changed little exercise and renamed it fears statement similar to the expression "statement of purpose". Ferris Do this exercise every few months and I am sure that it was it helped him achieve success.

To put a fear, you will need only three sheets of paper and a pen.

1. Formulate your fears

What do you want for a long time, but did not dare to commit? Describe your a wish, Starting with the words: "What if I ..." When Ferris for the first time this exercise, his question was, "What if I take the first vacation in four years and spend a month in London with his friend?"

Take the first sheet of paper and divide it into three columns: "Identify", "prevent", "Correct."

In the column "Define '10-20 record fears regarding your desire. Timothy, for example, worried that London's rainy climate will worsen his state of mind and will drive an even greater depression.

In the column "Prevent" answer to the question: "What can I do to prevent all that, what I fear?" Ferris wrote that he could take a portable device for phototherapy, and use it every morning for 15 minutes.

In the column "correct" answer to the question: "If the worst is still to happen, how can I correct the situation or to whom I could turn for help? "Tim reassured themselves with the thought that at any moment will be able to buy a plane ticket and spend the rest of vacation somewhere in the sun Spain.

2. Think about the benefits

If you decide to take the risk that good can happen? The answer to this question, write on the second sheet of paper. Try not to respond at length and carefully thinking through the possible outcomes of events. But do not spend a lot of time: 10-15 minutes will be enough.

3. Imagine the consequences of his inaction

On the third sheet of paper, answer the question: "If I did not dare to fulfill his plan, how will look my life at 6, 12 and 36 months? "How omissions affect your physical, emotional and financial position? Tim believes that the most important point, so do not rush to answer.

After the first implementation of this exercise Tim Ferris realized he would have to escape from the clutches of their business. He went round the world trip, which lasted 1.5 years. Just this trip, and inspired him to create the book "How to work 4 hours a week."