What are you worried about?

Worry is probably one of the most self-defeating things we can do. Worry is natural when we face challenges but so often our minds replay the worst scenario over and over again and this is what prevents us from acting. I learned that worry can work for you if you manage it. To do this, you must learn to manage your worry.

I have a solution that I know sounds crazy but it will work for you if you use it. Discipline yourself to set aside 30 minutes of time each day (at an appointed time) to worry. I used to call my time 'worry hour' at first but eventually I came to call it 'constructive problem solving'. Whenever I started to worry, I'd firmly tell myself that I would not worry about it until the appointed hour. This takes discipline but it works if you consistently apply it.

If thoughts of new problems cropped up, I'd jot them down in my worry book and refuse to apply my mental energy to it until the appointed hour. At the appointed time, I'd sit down quietly and write down all my problems and then I'd address each one, one at a time.

The first thing I'd do was to divide my problems up into two categories: #1 Problems I can act upon and #2 Problems I cannot solve.

I'd take the first list and make a further list about what action was required to solve each problem. I named this list my 'action list' and I wrote down each action in order of priority.

The second list, I'd read and then I would give them over to my higher self. I would often say aloud 'I do not have a solution for this problem and so I trust that where I cannot see a solution, one exists'. It doesn't matter what one says as long as it is a positive affirmation.

There IS a solution to every problem but our minds can't always see it. Action brings about a shift in our attitudes. You feel more in control and this prevents you from becoming paralyzed. Action is positive and often in acting, we find solutions that we would never have found had we allowed worry free reign.

One other thing that can be done to tackle our second list (unsolvable problems) is to call all those people you trust (like your coach!) or look up to and ask them to join you for a brainstorming session. Gathering 'mind power' from those you have respect for is a positive action. Ask these people to help you come up with constructive ideas to overcome these problems. You'd be surprised by what can be achieved this way. Many minds are often better than one.

I know that there are many people out there today struggling through some kind of difficult circumstances. Remind yourself about what is important. Remember how you effectively dealt with challenges in the past. It worked for you in the past then and it will work again. Be open to learning new things and remember failure is merely an opportunity to develop your sense of humor!

Thought for today: Never see failure as final but simply postponed success!

Have a productive day.

BF