What Are You Afraid Of?

Fear is a potent emotion that, while rooted in our instinct for survival, can sometimes mislead us, particularly in business. In the complex world of Dune created by Frank Herbert, the Bene Gesserit, a secretive sisterhood, employ the “Litany Against Fear” as a mantra to focus their minds in times of extreme danger. Its wisdom is universally applicable, even in the corporate world:

I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.

Here’s how we might choose to take the principles from this Litany to guide us:

1. Recognition of Fear: Recognising and naming our fears is the first step. Whether it’s the anxiety of a deal falling through or the nervousness before a major presentation, identifying the source of your fear is crucial.
2. Understanding Fear’s Transience: Like the Litany suggests, fear is transient. By confronting it head-on, we can allow it to pass through us, leaving us unscathed. In business, this means facing challenges directly, knowing that once they’re overcome, only the lessons and experiences remain.
3. Decision-making in the Face of Uncertainty: In uncertain situations, where outcomes hang in the balance, and both hope and fear seem compelling, leaning towards a positive bias, as the Litany advises, can be powerful. This doesn’t mean adopting blind optimism, but rather believing in positive outcomes, fostering resilience, and motivating oneself to move forward.
4. Preserving Mental Well-being: Just as the Bene Gesserit Litany emphasises mental discipline, we can choose to prioritise our mental well-being. Continual anxiety, especially if baseless or exaggerated, can deteriorate one’s mental health. Recognising this and adopting techniques, like the Litany, can bring clarity and focus.
5. Harnessing the Power of Positivity: Once fear is confronted and understood, what remains is the self – resilient and empowered. In the corporate context, this translates to someone who’s learned, grown, and is ready to take on the next challenge with renewed vigor.

In conclusion, the Bene Gesserit’s Litany Against Fear provides timeless wisdom on confronting and managing fear. By integrating its principles, business executives can traverse challenges more adeptly, ensuring both personal development and organisational prosperity.