> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://johnkazer.gitbook.io/future-proof/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://johnkazer.gitbook.io/future-proof/future-anxiety.md). # Future Anxiety Originally posted on [Medium](https://medium.com/@jkazer/everyone-is-anxious-about-the-future-4f72d5e0955). Everyone is anxious about the future. How do I know this and how can you deal with it? It is the essential human condition. The future is the quintessential “unknown” and anxiety about the unknown is a basic feature of humans. It also means we all start out in life needing to cope with the future. We have fears for ourselves, others, the world… But what’s the common thread? I think it is about control. The future is not controlled, is uncertain, so we fear it. The consequent anxiety leads to many partial solutions, such as cognitive bias, selfishness, risk avoidance, change avoidance and magical thinking. So what is the best solution? Learn to be [future proof](/future-proof/actions-for-future-proofing/avoiding-the-future.md). Becoming future proof is a lifestyle choice rather than a one-off fix. Why is learning to be future proof different from what most of us already do to fend off the fear and anxiety? It is an achievable goal with side benefits that helps provide a sense of control rather than avoiding facing the issue. When dealing with uncertainty (e.g. climate change, business needs etc.) you need knowledge and confidence that you’ll be able to use this knowledge to ‘create’ solutions to what comes at you! Having this personal resource gives you a sense of control and is therefore, if not the cure, then at least the means to cope with your future anxiety. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://johnkazer.gitbook.io/future-proof/future-anxiety.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.