In my previous post I talked about motivation through time travel. Today I want to continue the time travel theme and look at another way this particular thought experiment might be able to help: overcoming fear through perspective.

We all have fears, some are rational and helpful. Those we need to listen to act on accordingly.

Others fears are irrational and unhelpful, they simply hold us back. Usually these are in some way a fear of failure or rejection. In many cases even if we do “fail” then no real harm will be done except, perhaps, to our pride and self-image. In other words, the only thing we really have to fear is what we do to ourselves.

A few simple examples: we’re worried that our date might not go well, that we don’t know anyone at the party, that people might laugh at us, that they might not laugh at our jokes. We worry about public speaking in front of friends, we keep putting off trips to the dentist. I’m sure you can think of many more examples to share.

It’s these situations, when there’s really nothing to fear except what’s in our heads, that perspective can help. So here’s what I do:
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