Embracing Fear: How I'm Using Stoic Principles to Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Intention

I recently watched Tim Ferriss' TED Talk, "Why You Should Define Your Fears Instead of Your Goals," and it struck a chord. I've always believed in leading with empathy and vulnerability, but this idea of “fear-setting” is giving me a fresh perspective, especially as I’m navigating some big changes and new opportunities in my career.

Right now, I’m working on several fronts, whether it’s applying for executive roles, finalizing my book BECOMING A MODERN MENTOR, or building Youth Development Pro’s presence. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the possibilities and what-ifs. That’s why Ferriss’ message about fear-setting makes so much sense. Instead of focusing solely on the outcomes I want to achieve, I’m taking the time to acknowledge my fears and see how I can manage them.

I’ve been leaning into a more Stoic approach to life lately, not just for myself, but in how I mentor others. I talk a lot about giving younger generations space to grow, showing grace, and being intentional with feedback, and this aligns perfectly with Stoic principles. The idea is to control what you can and accept what you can’t, while preparing for potential challenges. It's not just about avoiding failure; it’s about embracing the inevitable uncertainty and planning for it.

Take my work on the "Mentor Lens Check-In Checklist," for example. It’s all about setting up staff for growth through intentional, actionable steps. It’s very much a “control the process, not the outcome” mindset. I’m finding that this approach allows me to be more present and engaged, which not only helps my team but also keeps me grounded.

Fear-setting also resonates with my creative project, A Year in a Life. The story’s theme of reflecting on how one year can change everything parallels some of my own experiences. Whether I’m dealing with leadership challenges or volunteering as an EMT, there’s always this undercurrent of confronting the unknown and evolving through it. Like the grandfather in the story who reflects on pivotal moments in his life, I’m learning to see fear not as a barrier but as an opportunity to grow.

So, as I step into these next chapters, whether it’s applying for positions or exploring new ways to expand Youth Development Pro, I’m trying to put this Stoic-inspired fear-setting into practice. I’m laying out the worst-case scenarios, visualizing how I would handle them, and then taking action. It’s not that I’m fearless; it’s that I’m learning to face my fears with intention and resilience.

This mindset shift is a work in progress, but I’m finding that by acknowledging what scares me, I can better prepare myself, and those I mentor, to navigate life’s uncertainties with grace and grit. It’s about leading with empathy, yes, but also about embracing the reality that fear is part of the journey. And the more we lean into it, the stronger we become.