Do you ever find yourself with worrisome thoughts making repeated trips in your mind, much like a racecar running laps around the racetracks? Does it seem impossible to stop the worry thoughts, which are nothing more than an unneeded “duress” rehearsal?
There is something that you can do that will transform worry into positive action. This transformation requires only that you have the desire and that you will make a decision to stop worrying and start acting. I use a technique that works very well for me.
I transform my worries into a plan of action. I take the following steps:
- I identify what is really bothering me and is pushing my fear buttons.
- I ask myself, “What do I need to do, be or have that will alleviate my fear?
- What actions must I take to acquire what I need?
- What effect will my actions have in relieving my anxiety?
- What will be the outcome if I fail to take action?
Creating a plan of action does two things: (1) it gets my mind focused on how to solve the issue and alleviate the fear, and (2) it makes me feel in control of my life and my thoughts. Creating and working my plan is a better use of my mental and emotional energy than playing the mental tapes of worry.
Worry can often be prevented. How? As best-selling author, Brian Tracy has stated, “Worry is a sustained form of fear caused by indecision.” If we are more proactive in making decisions that are in alignment with our needs and desires, we are less likely to worry, because we have taken action.
Refusing to allow ourselves to be physically and mentally worn down by worry requires that we discipline our thinking. When we find ourselves worrying, it is time to stop, look, and listen to what our thoughts are revealing to us. And then take action.
We can transform our worries into successful actions by merely making the decision to get off the worry track and to take the road to action.
Affirmation for the Week
“I am in control of my worries. They may come to visit, but I will not ask them to stay.”
Have a peaceful week!
Mary “Motivator” Rau-Foster