“It is the hardest thing in the world to frighten a mongoose, because he is eaten up from nose to tail with curiosity.” Rikki-Tiki-Tavi by Rudyard Kipling
Curiosity answers fear.
Overcome Fear
Adopt the mongoose motto: “Run and find out.” Investigate when you feel anxious.
- Ask, “What’s actually true?”
- Ask, “What’s the worst that could happen? How likely is it?”
- Test assumptions. Have one conversation. Explore options.
- Ask, “How can I move toward this issue?”
Overcome Anxiety
Rikki asks, “What am I to do?” when he faces the cobra. Action answers anxiety.
- Translate anxiety into a task. Say, “I’m anxious about X. What’s the next physical step?”
- Find someone thriving. What are they doing?
- Act in 10 minutes. Start before you’re ready.
- Fix one small thing. Ignore the big issue, temporarily.
Curiosity drags fear into the light. When the “cobra” rises, don’t freeze. “Run and find out.”
What calls for investigation today?
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Previously Published on leadershipfreak with Creative Commons License
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