In my short 51 years on this fine planet I’ve come to learn that worrying is the number one, most useless waste of energy: mentally by unnecessarily consuming brainpower and physically from the resulting stress.
Let’s consider the wisdom of Mark Twain…
I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened. Mark Twain
To combat a habit of worrying, let’s try adopting the philosophy that there is NOTHING to worry about.
Instead of sitting idle and “over” thinking (a.k.a. mentally thrashing through) a concern (what if this, or that happened?) we could instead ask ourselves a question: “Can I do something about this, or not?”
If we can do something about it, then let’s get started. If we absolutely, positively cannot do anything about it, then we must drop it and use our energy to focus on what we “can do.”
The good news is that many things that weigh on our mind can be addressed or resolved immediately; by making that call, running that errand, holding that meeting, turning that screw, etc. You will be amazed at how many things fall into this bucket, which simply requires immediate (just do it, right now) action.
Other things take time: months, years even. In these cases, we need to define a plan and relentlessly execute: every single day! And, so long as we are moving forward, by taking steps to address the concern or goal, we need not worry. In fact, we’ll naturally cease to worry because we are busy doing something about it!
Here are 2 more quotes from people who have gone before us…
Action conquers fear. Peter Nivio Zarlenga.
I have no idea who that cat is, but I love the quote!
Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit at home and think about it. Go out and get busy. Dale Carnegie.
I know, some will say: “It is not that simple. My story is different.”
Really?!?
So, there is no-one else on this planet who has tackled the challenge(s) or setback(s) you are, or potentially could be facing?
Reality check…If we but simply try, we can find NUMEROUS examples of people who have overcome. We need only determine the path they took and adopt similar strategies.
Where does one find this information? It is actually all around us: online, the bookstore, professionals, a church, trusted friend or family member, etc.
The key is, however, that we must discipline ourselves to actually take the counsel offered or prescribed.
Bottom-line: People (just like you and me) avoid or overcome situations by taking action. Not, by worrying.
If someone else can do it, so can we. That being the case, what is there to worry about?
We simply need to decide between:
- Taking action on those things we can address, or;
- Letting go of those things that we absolutely, positively can do nothing about. And, keep moving forward in life.
A highly recommended read on this subject is:
If you haven’t read this book, make it a top priority Christmas present to yourself. It will make a big / huge difference in your life!
All the best!
p.s. – I’ll be sure to re-read this post the next time the worry bug visits me 🙂
Be Brave Not Safe 