It’s funny how a sudden fear can seize your heart and totally wreck an otherwise good day.

It only takes a few seconds for fear to kick in. A scenario we don’t like and is outside of our control. Like a trusty sidekick, Worry pops on the scene and the two of them get to stomping on your mental state. So long peace of mind.

The next time you find yourself paralyzed from the dastardly duo’s cheapshots, try this short exercise to regain your equilibrium.

Disclaimer: If your fear stems from a physical threat to your life, please don’t psychoanalyze yourself at that moment.

Figuring Out Why You’re Worried and What You Can Do About It

1. Ask yourself what specifically has you fearful/worried about the situation at hand.

2. Remind yourself that worrying about something won’t change anything.

3. Ask yourself if there is something in your power to change it.

Living example:
Scenario: A work-related task I’m responsible for was unexpectedly taken off my plate and given to someone else. Instantly, Fear and Worry enter the scene with their shitty theme music.

What, specifically, has me fearful about this: I received low marks in some areas of my performance review. Not related to the task that was removed, but worrisome all the same. Am I headed to the chopping block?

Will worrying change it?: Nope. Heck, maybe it’s not something I need to be worried about as it has nothing to do with my review.

Is there something I can do to change it?: I don’t know. But scheduling a meeting with my supervisor would be a good way to get a clearer picture of problem areas and what (if anything) I can do to improve the situation.

Outcome: Though I still don’t know what’s going on, I have developed a course of action to address this. Worry and Fear can’t punch me with their hypotheticals (for the time being).

We Often Make It a Bigger Issue Than it Is

Most of the time, we’re worried and afraid because we feel lost or powerless. Something happened that puts us at a perceived disadvantage. If you cut the speculation and get to the root of the issue (or identify if there actually is one), you can kick Fear and Worry in the shins with a confident smile on your face. Give it a try and let me know how it works for you. 

Peace & Blessings