How to Be Fearless

June 28, 2021
Using infographics and Venn diagrams, Hagy (The Humanist’s Devotional) lays out seven steps for combating fear in her accessible guide. The first step, be focused, encourages readers to zero in on what one wants rather than what causes worry. In step two, be hopeful, Hagy suggests that “hope animates while fear paralyzes” and embracing messiness allows one to move through fear. Step three, be resourceful, recommends starting with small tasks to achieve bigger goals and keeping a mental “go-kit” to help during times of stress (including the contact information of one’s “most-trusted friend” and a nearby favorite place). With step four, be earnest, Hagy counsels readers to not fear failure. Step five, be connected, underlines the power of human connection and proposes finding those who “share your focus.” Be aware, step six, asks readers to assume less about others and “give everyone more credit” and realize that “a shift in thinking is not a sign of weakness.” In the final step, be curious, Hagy concludes that fear thrives where knowledge is lacking, and only investigation can quell most fears. While the advice is nothing new, Hagy’s upbeat tone and the clever diagrams illustrating each point make this easy to digest. This inviting handbook will be of aid to those in need of strategies to overcome anxious thoughts. (Aug.)Correction: The author's last name was misspelled in an earlier version of this review.