Four things you can do to help shift yourself out of worry.
1. First, have an AWARENESS that thoughts, fear, worry, and story are totally normal. It’s your brain doing its job of keeping you safe. Nothing has gone wrong; it’s just part of the human experience.
2. Get to the TRUTH- what are the facts? No added story, no opinions, provable in the court of law. Answer the question for yourself: is it true? Is it happening right now? Are you in imminent danger?
3. SHIFT your focus to something else. I use the analogy of dangling a toy in front of a baby. The best way to get your baby not to touch a hot stove (for example) is to distract it with a toy that is more interesting than the stove. What are you more interested in focusing on your worry or how to be a loving family member? Your choice.
4. Lastly, the way to solidify this is to take ACTION. One small way you can demonstrate that which you would rather focus on.
Let me give you an example. Let’s say you have a new job. You are worried that you are not doing it well; you’re concerned that your co-workers don’t like you; you are not sure you can learn the job fast enough.
What are the facts? You have worked there for one week. No one said, “I don’t like you.” It takes time to become proficient at a new job, get to know the staff, and have a thorough understanding of your new role.
What are you more interested in- continuing to worry or being a well-respected professional? I imagine you chose to be a well-respected professional.
What might this look like; how could you demonstrate this? What is one small action you can take toward being a well-respected professional? Perhaps doing some additional research; maybe requesting a meeting with your boss to clarify a few points.
What would it be like to have answers, rather than spending your time, energy, and effort worrying?
Be aware,
get to the truth,
shift your focus,
take action.
