Worry is a wasted emotion.
Summary:
When asked about handling worries, Elon Musk shared his approach of confronting risks head-on. He found that they often dissipated when he faced his concerns directly, leaving him with a profound sense of empowerment and control over his emotions. This strategy can also empower you, giving you the tools to manage your worries effectively.
Mark Twain stated, "I am an old man and have known many troubles, but most of them never happened," suggesting that worrying wastes his precious and limited time.
An American self-help psychologist, Dr. Wayne Dyer, said that worry is a useless emotion."
Benjamin Franklin: Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen.
He suggested staying in the sunlight, meaning focusing on the positive.
Article:
People worry about many things; the list is too long to ponder. Many things we worry about are in our control, and some are not. Some people fear that they will never gain true success without taking any risks. However, if they take risks, they may fail, so they weigh the benefits against the risks. Others take various levels of risks, and if they do not have immediate success, they fear that they have failed, so they worry.
Worry is generally internalized, becoming part of one's frame of reference, and is self-destructive. Worry often becomes a habitual thought pattern, influencing how we perceive and respond to the world. For instance, if we constantly worry about failing, we may start to avoid taking risks altogether. This can lead to a negative feedback loop where our worries reinforce themselves, making us more anxious and insecure. This advice can help you maintain a positive outlook, even in the face of challenges and concerns. This empowerment is within your reach, too, if you choose to confront your fears.
Excessive worry often causes generalized anxiety or overthinking that can result in feeling overwhelmed and insecure. What if this, what if that!
Confronting risks requires a mix of practical strategies and mindset shifts. One common approach to breaking the habit is to focus on what is outside our control. If we address this issue now, we can update our action plan accordingly. If we have no control over the outcome, why worry about it? Worrying is an internalized emotion that gnaws away at us, siphons our energy, and often leads to a negative feedback loop.
Many, including myself, find relief in the structure of writing now things to do notes. By jotting down our worries in a journal, we can offload them from our minds onto paper, creating a profound sense of liberation and lightness. Setting a specific 'worry time' can also help us postpone overthinking, allowing our brains to relax outside that designated period.
We don't have to face our worries alone. Friends, family, or therapists can offer valuable perspective and reassurance, making us feel less isolated and more connected. Sometimes, just hearing, 'You're not crazy for feeling this,' can be enough to ease our minds. My friends and a beer are my psychologists. Sharing your worries can bring relief and connection, making you feel less alone and more supported in your journey to manage anxiety.
Organized distractions help: spending time in your mental hobby shop, exercising, or doing anything that commandeers the brain's focus away from the negative and redirects it to the positive. By engaging in these positive distractions, you can take control of your thoughts and emotions, steering them away from worry and towards more constructive and uplifting activities.