Turn Worry Around

Turn Worry Around

 As leaders, we certainly have a lot we could worry about on a daily basis. But worry in itself is actually very self-fulfilling.  The more you worry the more likely your fears will become a reality. In essence you contribute to your own demise. About 15 years ago an attorney for American Retirement Corporation named Tim Garrett shared with me some simple advice; “Don’t borrow tomorrow’s troubles today”. 

This advice has been a Godsend for me because I truly care and pride myself on being very prepared; being concerned about what happens matters to me. I do tend to think through all potential scenarios and I use the above reminder as a compass to replace unproductive worry with preparation and letting go. If I feel worried I ask myself “Why?” Once I have the answer to the first “Why?” I ask “Why?” again, and a third time for good measure. The answers to why I am worried are the areas I need to either take action on or settle with myself that “I have done all I could and what else needs my attention”. Do not stew - do.

My final bit of advice is about worry and losing sleep, literally. It seems that when things are quiet worry gets louder. I have taken a page from Harry Potter and Professor Dumbledore’s office.  Professor Dumbledore had a magical device that could pull thoughts from your mind and put them in a place to get a better look at them. When my head swirls at 3 am I do not ignore it; instead I get up and spend 15 minutes writing or typing my thoughts out. I give myself a few suggestions or to dos for the next day. This way you do not have to worry about forgetting what you are worried about. 

Thanks for the advice Tim; pass this guidance on to the worry wart in your life.