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I am scared... 5.5 tips on dealing with fear.

Paul Atreides with Sandworm Background Poster by Jason Wright
(image courtesy of fineartamerica.com)

 Volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) comes in waves that distract and confuse me. I don't think much of myself, but when I do, I think that I should not be so afraid based on my life's experiences, my education, and my beliefs.

But, I am, afraid. Sometimes. A lot.

In the epic sci-fi novel, Dune, by Frank Herbert, we witness Paul Atreides enduring a mental test at the hands of a Bene-Gesserit as he chants to himself, "Fear is the mind-killer, I shall not fear." He passes, shattering the expectations of his teachers.

I believe that we all share varying levels of VUCA in our daily lives. I was talking with my daughter yesterday, and in the past 72 hours her start date for school has been moved twice. Moreover, her district has cancelled Band and Football, and may cancel her Badminton season (no joke, they have Badminton and are a state-wide competitive team). She's frustrated and afraid. Online learning is not her thing. She misses her friends. She's an athlete and thrives on competition. VUCA.

So, yeah, VUCA is everywhere, for all of us.

What do we do?


  1. 2 week all media fast. No media, at all. Clear your mind, body, and soul of all the filth.
  2. Get outside. Be responsible and protect yourself from activists and viruses. 
  3. Talk to people. On the phone, or social distanced. Look them in the eye and speak.
  4. Listen to people. Listen to learn, not to blame, shame or cancel.
  5. Pray.
5.5 Listen, like, share, and subscribe to the Education Wingman Podcast. We're here to help.

Fear is the mind killer. It really is. Fear and faith cannot co-exist.


Dr. J

writing credits - Jon M. Gentile, all rights reserved, 2020
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