Anxious or Anticipating?

Written by David Specht , a human, with a little help

Do you ever find yourself teetering on the edge between excitement and worry when facing a new endeavor or upcoming event? As someone who admits to being an overthinker, I can certainly relate. The anticipation of what's to come can often be accompanied by a nagging sense of anxiety about the unknown.

Take, for example, an upcoming event I have next week: facilitating a design sprint for the U.S. Air Force. While I'm filled with great anticipation for the opportunity, I also recognize the potential for my mind to spiral into anxious thoughts if I let it.

So, how do we shift from being anxious to anticipating with excitement and readiness?

1. Talk it out: Instead of letting worries swirl around in your head, try discussing your concerns with someone else. Voicing your thoughts can help you gain clarity and perspective, enabling you to focus on the facts rather than the hypothetical scenarios your brain conjures up.
2. Preparation: The more prepared you are, the less room there is for anxiety to take hold. Take the time to thoroughly plan and organize for the upcoming event, but remember, it's okay if you don't use every detail of your preparation. The act of preparing itself can provide a sense of reassurance and peace of mind.
3. Breathe deeply: It may sound simple, but deep breathing can be incredibly effective in calming your mind and reducing anxiety. Incorporate moments of deep breathing into your daily routine leading up to the event, allowing yourself to relax and center your thoughts.

While it's natural to experience moments of anxiousness, especially when faced with the unknown, remember that you have the ability to navigate through it. By talking it out, preparing diligently, and practicing mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, you can transform anxious anticipation into eager excitement for what lies ahead.

Anxious tendencies may never fully disappear, but with the right strategies, you can learn to manage and thrive in spite of them.

#Anxiety #Anticipation #Mindfulness #SelfImprovement #PersonalGrowth