Tim Ferriss swears by an exercise called Fear Setting, where you visualize worst-case scenarios and take action to overcome the fear.
1. WORST CASE SCENARIO
On a piece of paper, write down the decision that is inducing fear. Then, create three columns.
1. WORST CASE SCENARIO
In the left column, write down 20 things that could go wrong if you make the decision.
DEFINE
1. WORST CASE SCENARIO
In the middle, write down ways to prevent each outcome on the left from happening.
DEFINE
PREVENT
1. WORST CASE SCENARIO
In the right column, describe how you would repair the damage if each outcome were to happen.
DEFINE
PREVENT
REPAIR
2. THE BENEFITS OF AN ATTEMPT
On a separate page, write out all of the possible benefits of going through with this big decision.
3. THE COST OF INACTION
Lastly, the most important step. On a new page, write down the answers to the following question:
If I don't make this decision, what will my life look like in...
6 months?
1 year?
3 years?
3. THE COST OF INACTION
Then ask...
What would happen...
Emotionally?
Financially?
Physically?