Your Mind's Worst Trick—And How to Stop It ??
Rachel Tenenbaum, CNTC, PCC, CPCC
Keynote Speaker | Corporate Wellbeing + Stress Facilitator | Guide @ Chief | Leadership Development, Personal Transformation
When was the last time your mind took you somewhere you didn’t want to go?
It was one of those rare, sun-filled NYC days. The kind of day we all live for… The kind that either demands an unnecessary urgent work errand just to get outside—or turns an ordinary weekend into something magical. But instead of soaking in the moment, I was somewhere else completely, lost…drowning in the mayhem of my own mind.??
I was spiraling through everything at once:
?? The never-ending to-do list.
?? My grandmother’s cancer.
?? My dad’s terminal diagnosis.
?? The tens of millions worth of jewels stuck in Qatar’s customs under my charge.
Suddenly, before I knew it, I was back in Qatar—arguing with customs agents, my voice rising, my heart pounding. Then, somehow, I was being hauled off to jail, panic flooding my system as I feared I’d never see my father again.
? But here’s the thing…
I wasn’t in Qatar. I wasn’t in jail….
I was still standing on a sunny NYC street, completely hijacked by my own mind.
My brain had taken a full-blown trip—dragging my body and a suitcase full of stress chemicals along with it. Because here’s the truth:
At that moment, my body was experiencing it all as if it were real. My cortisol and adrenaline were flooding my system. My breath was shallow. And while my brain was trying to prepare me for the worst, I wasn’t just thinking about it—I was living it.
And for what?
Not only was I suffering through a disaster that hadn’t happened (and never would), but I was also:
?? Debilitating any ability to think clearly or rationally. ?? Completely destroying the moment in front of me.
And this wasn’t just an isolated incident. This was how I lived.
Every hammer my boss could drop? I lived it. Not once, not twice—more like 20,000 times. Meanwhile, in reality? They happened, but far from the frequency, I experienced it.?
Sounds Familiar?
I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in this ?? (Or maybe I am? ??)
?? When was the last time your mind took you somewhere you didn’t want to go? ?? What stressors do you amplify in your mind that haven’t even happened yet? ? How might your day, your week, or your life change if you could redirect your mind toward clarity and peace?
Here’s what I know now: We don’t just suffer when something actually goes wrong. We suffer every time we relive it in our heads—before, during, and long after it’s passed.? Our minds are wired to scan for danger—they do this brilliantly.
But here’s the best part: we can work with our minds.
It takes practice. It’s our job to take the reins, to remind them what’s real, and to train them to come back to the present.
Bottom line?
You can train your mind. You can break the cycle. You can stop reliving disasters that never happen—and start taking back control.
How?
1. Join Calm & Connect. (the best part? It's Free!) ???
A space to pause, breathe, and retrain your mind to return to the present—so you can lead, live, and create from clarity instead of chaos.
?? Next Session: Sunday, February 23rd at 10 AM CT
2. Dig deeper. I work 1:1 with heart-centered individuals, founders, leaders and high-achievers who are ready to shift their relationship with stress. Those who are ready to not just to feel better, but to think better, live better, and if appropriate, lead better. If you’re ready to step into a new way of leading and living, let’s talk.
Join a session or reach out to explore 1:1 coaching. Because peace isn’t just a concept—it’s a skill you can build.
Together, we can create space for peace, clarity, and impact. ?
P.S. What’s one way you bring yourself back to the present when your mind runs away? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear. ??
LINKS:
Calm and Connect: https://www.iamliving.us/retreat-meditation-workshops/calmandconnect
Clarity and Connection Call (For 1:1 Coaching): https://iamlivingcoachingappointment.as.me/schedule/534fcbbd/appointment/34051215/calendar/1711130?appointmentTypeIds[]=34051215
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Business Writing & Communication Expert | Trainer. Speaker. Coach. Writer. Editor | Helping professionals who write become InkCredible writers at work
3 周Pulling out of the anxiety spiral can be a real challenge, Rachel! Your work to help people take back control of their mindscape is so critical since most of us are in a state of constant overwhelm!
??Strategy & Copy Powering 6,7& 8 Figure Launches | Creator of LaunchFlow? | Messaging & Marketing Mentor | Copywriter
3 周How interesting that our brain doesn't know the difference between real and imagined. Your tip to stop the "what if" rabbit trail is empowering, Rachel!
From Money Stress to Money Power?? - Actress turned Accountant & Money Coach - I help business owners create the systems and skills they need to control their money and scale - Creator of the Money Storyteller Method?
3 周Thanks for sharing these tools, Rachel Tenenbaum, CNTC, PCC, CPCC. It's so important to have tactics that calm the stress response in order to make the best decisions.
I solve financial mysteries and bring clarity to business owners | Fractional CFO | Board Director | Financial Strategies
3 周It’s incredible how our minds can spiral into scenarios that aren't happening in the moment, affecting both our physical and emotional well-being. Your approach to rewiring the mind for clarity and resilience sounds like a valuable tool for gaining control and reducing unnecessary stress. Great newsletter this week, Rachel Tenenbaum, CNTC, PCC, CPCC.
Strategic Growth Partner | Helping Expert Businesses Align Marketing, Sales + Systems for Growth
3 周These ingrained habits can be so hard to break, Rachel Tenenbaum, CNTC, PCC, CPCC. Your example is on target - how many of us live through crises many more times - and in greater peril - than the lived experience when we do the thing or have the conversation we dread?