At times like these, there’s a lot to worry about. It is natural to worry. But when worry consumes you, paralyses you or holds you back, you need to get a grip and take action. It’s the difference between being a worrier and a warrior.
Get some rest
Worriers find it hard to get to sleep at night, or they wake up early in the morning and can’t get back to sleep. Thoughts (usually negative ones) are racing through their heads. It’s often about what hasn’t been done, what needs to be done, what could have been done, or what could possibly happen. Conversely, a warrior needs to be well rested. They need to go to bed at night content that they have done what was required, that they are on top of things, and that there is a plan for the next day, week, month or year. When you are organised and work to a plan, your mind is at ease, you will sleep well and be refreshed in the morning to face the next battle, and celebrate the victories.
Worst case scenario
Worriers spend too much time imaging the worst case scenario. They go through all the motions and emotions of what could go wrong, what the consequences would be and how it would feel. This is simply time wasted on negative energy and succumbing to unnecessary pressure. Warriors accept the worst case scenario, remove emotion and put a pragmatic plan in place to achieve a better outcome. They have targets, goals and objectives, and are focused on channelling pressure to achieve success.
Taking action
Worriers are procrastinators. They tend to avoid tasks that might be unpleasant, challenging or threatening. Instead of facing it head on, they change course or bury their heads in the sand and hope it will go away. A warrior is not afraid to take the first step. Even the most insurmountable task can be achieved if you take that first step in the right direction.
Feedback
Worriers allow criticism to eat themselves up inside. Mistakes and unsuccessful ventures are seen as a slight on their competence and character. They allow it to affect their self esteem and have an overactive imagination when it comes to what others might think of them. Warriors ask for feedback, and accept it as an observation and an opportunity to learn and grow. If you don’t win, you learn.
Positivity
Worriers sweat the small stuff and everything becomes negative. Even when things are going well, they are convinced it won’t last forever, and instead of living in the moment and enjoying it, they dwell on when it is going to end. I’ll give you a hint. No one wants to be surrounded by the constant onslaught of unnecessary negativity, anxiety, panic, worry, “woe is me”, perceived pressure, and a sense that everything is such a big deal. Warriors are positive. They don’t expect everything to be perfect all the time, but they have confidence in their ability to overcome obstacles. They seek the small wins and focus on the silver linings of every cloud, and make things happen for themselves rather than playing the victim. And guess what… these are the best people to be around, and to do business with.
Worrying has its benefits in terms of being aware of potential consequences. But you need to ensure that you channel it into decisive, constructive and positive planning, preparation and action… just like a warrior would.
If you are consumed and paralysed by worry, give me a call and let’s turn it around.
