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The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish cover image

#183 Paul Assaiante: Learning to Face Your Fears

The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish

ADVICE

Run to the Roar

✨Key takeaways:

  • Face your problems head-on; they're often less formidable than you imagine.
  • Ask yourself, "What's the worst that can happen?" to assess the situation realistically.

Paul Assaiante shares an anecdote about how African lionesses hunt. They strategically position the oldest lioness, whose roar is the fiercest, in a field facing potential prey. The other lionesses conceal themselves. When the old lioness roars, the prey flee from the sound, running directly into the hidden hunters. This story illustrates the principle of confronting fears directly instead of avoiding them. The apparent danger is often less threatening than anticipated.

Example: When dealing with a difficult decision or challenge, ask yourself, "What's the worst possible outcome?" This exercise helps you to confront the perceived threat directly, revealing its true nature and allowing you to move forward with greater clarity.

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