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Life Advice Blog #18 - Worry

     Everybody worries at some point in their life, but the way it is handled varies from person to person. Worrying often prevents people from reaching their full potential.  Worry stems from fear, and fear can hinder performance and prevent action from being taken.  This is why we often link worry to negative connotations, because worrying comes from the fear of something going wrong.  Sometimes we cannot help ourselves and we worry about whatever is going on.  However, it is important to realize when worrying becomes excessive to the point where it is effecting growth.  In this case, the person needs to make a change.  The first step is to understand what worry can lead to.  By doing so, the person can find solutions and prevent themselves from succumbing to their own worrisome thoughts.


     Worrying can often lead to overthinking, which is when a person thinks about something too much and for too long.  Overthinking often results in the thinker making up different scenarios that may or may not occur.  For example, a person who wants to skydive may worry about jumping out of a plane. The person thinks about it so much that they start making up different scenarios as to what could go wrong. Eventually, the person is worried to the point that they cancel the trip, thinking about how much safer it is to remain on the ground.  Rather than face reality, the person let their own crazy assumptions prevent them from thinking clearly, leading them to an unclear result.  Similar situations occur in our everyday lives.  We tend to worry, overthink, stress out, and act based on our crazy thoughts and made up scenarios.  Sometimes this prevents us from doing the things we want to do or jump to false conclusions.  It takes practice to get out of this habitual act of worrying and overthinking.  The best way to do so is to distract yourself, relax, and come back to it at a later date.  Overthinking will prevent you from being rational, but by taking a break, you will think clearer and rationalize effectively.


     Rather than worry about what could happen, people should push themselves to believe in their desired outcome.  When a person worries, they are often hindering themselves from experiencing happiness.  The person is focused on a specific problem or situation that could result in negative connotations.  Unfortunately, worrying increases the chances of these thoughts becoming a reality.  When worrying, people often believe that negative outcomes will occur, and because they believe it will end a certain way, it often does.  This is why worrying is a problem, because people are willingly sabotaging themselves. The idea most people miss is that believing goes two ways.  Believing that a positive outcome will occur is just as effective as believing the negative. The problem is people do not have the confidence to think that way, making it difficult for the desired outcome to transpire.  So, in order to have more confidence when dealing with stressful situations, it is important to train yourself in the art of positive thinking.  Instead of worrying about the negative outcomes, think of the desired outcome.  Positive thinking can actively change the way you act, feel, and handle stressful situations.


     It is important to catch yourself when dealing with a stressful or fearful situation.  Catching yourself will help in preventing overthinking and negative thoughts.  Once you understand what is happening, you can try and think differently about the situation, relax, and act rationally. Practice thinking positive, taking a break to collect your thoughts, and pushing yourself into believing your desired outcome will occur.  The goal is to limit the amount you worry while also training your brain to think differently.  Once that has been achieved, you will be able to deal with problematic situations and new experiences with ease.  Those who learn how to handle stress worry less and achieve what they set out to do. Stop worrying, get out there, and be the person you want to be.


Song of the Blog
Today’s Song is “Age of Worry,” by John Mayer!  Listen while reading for a better experience!

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