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Fear list

Nineteen fears, numbered and named — on death, fatherhood, judgment, and wanting to do important things.

2 min read
reflection essay
  1. I’m afraid to die
  2. I’m afraid to think so much about my life, that I forget to live it
  3. I’m afraid to try realizing my dreams and being disappointed
  4. I’m afraid people will think I’m a hypocrite, or pathetic, or both
  5. I’m afraid those I love won’t love me
  6. I’m afraid to do the right things for the wrong reasons, so I don’t enjoy them; work, hobbies, travel, projects, art
  7. I’m afraid of misunderstanding myself, and being misunderstood by others
  8. I’m afraid everyone will say “he just likes to talk” and won’t take the things I want to do seriously
  9. I’m afraid to try doing something important, and fail
  10. I’m afraid someone I admire will judge me
  11. I’m afraid I’ll be stuck always judging others
  12. I’m afraid to envy others for the life they made for themselves
  13. I’m afraid I’ll be a bad father
  14. I’m afraid my failings will make me insufferable to the people I love
  15. I’m afraid I won’t be able to provide a good life for my family — with the opportunities, experiences and comfort that I enjoyed.
  16. I’m afraid I won’t ever have the time for all the things that are important for me to do
  17. I’m afraid to demand too much of myself and others, more than we’re capable or willing to give
  18. I’m afraid I will try teaching and not be any good at it or enjoy it
  19. I’m afraid I won’t succeed in my job and won’t have the kind of impact I want