Worry can be a very debilitating emotion because it robs us of the ability to plan and strategise in order to solve a looming problem or meet a challenge. It distracts us from the problem at hand and causes us to dwell on worst-case scenarios, whilst also making us anxious and running through a gamut of emotions.

Worry also assumes that we are powerless to address the challenges. Often, we end up trying to find ways to avoid the worst-case scenarios we envisage – which may not necessarily materialise – but not necessarily find solutions to the situation at hand.

In other words, we can be so paralysed by worry that we waste our imagination thinking up possible negative outcomes instead of devising solutions or lying the groundwork for the positive outcomes we desire.

 

Throughout the day, we invite you to revisit this quote. Below are a few questions you may wish to ask yourself, and those who journal may find them especially useful:

• When I face a challenging situation, to what degree am I being led by worry?
• In a challenging situation, do I allow worry to drive my actions?
• Looking back, could the situation unfolded differently had I focussed my energy (and imagination) on positive outcomes?

 

 

Best wishes and have a great day!