Kipling’s Cure for Fear
“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?
Great post. I believe that after honesty, curiosity is one of the most important characteristics of a great beater.
That should have said leader. Please erase that Dan. I should learn to carefully read what I have dictated before I hit send.