The Antidote to Worrying When Things Feel Out Of Your Control
We’ve been on the phone a lot these past months in particular with change being “forced” upon very capable and smart people. These same people are feeling lost and overwhelmed. I suspect if you are reading this right now, you might relate to them.
In the fast-paced world we live in, it's easy to find ourselves caught in the storm of worry. As executive coaches and communication experts, we've seen firsthand how worry can spiral into a host of negative outcomes - stress, hypertension, anxiety, the fueling of addictions, sleep deprivation, and more. Which begs the question, “What do we do when faced with chaos and the unknown?” The answer lies in the approach.
First, it's crucial to understand that worrying doesn't yield positive results. It's like a rocking chair—it gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere. Furthermore, how you perceive your situation is how it will be experienced. Recognizing this is the first step towards changing how we respond to stressful situations.
Second, take a breath in the moment while remembering that this too shall pass.
When confronted with perceived chaos, the simplest, yet most powerful thing you can do is to take a deep breath. This act is more than just a physical pause; it's a mental signal to your brain that stress is inevitable, but suffering is optional. Your brain needs more oxygen to be able to rationally think. This realization is empowering. It's a reminder that while we can't always control external circumstances, we can control our reaction to them.
Third, every problem, no matter how daunting, has a solution. The catch? You might not like all of them. This is where strategic thinking comes into play. Evaluate your problems by asking yourself, “What can I live with, and what can I not live with?”
For issues you can tolerate, make a plan to deal with them. For those you can't, develop a strategy to mitigate their impact. This approach doesn't just apply to business decisions; it's a valuable tool for navigating personal challenges too.
Make a plan.
Whether you're mitigating an undesirable outcome or embracing a tolerable one, both paths have one thing in common – the need for a plan. It's not just about finding the light at the end of the tunnel; it's about lighting the tunnel yourself as you go through it. Or as we at Unapologetic like to say - Don’t hope for success, plan for it! Planning is not just about finding immediate solutions. (Please pause and read that last sentence again).
It's about anticipating challenges, preparing for different scenarios, and equipping yourself with the tools and mindset to handle what life throws at you.
Worrying is a natural human response, but it is also a choice. Remember, stress might be inevitable, but suffering is optional. By recognizing the futility of worry, taking a moment to breathe, and focusing on solution-oriented planning, we can turn potential stress into actionable steps.
