Mark Twain once said: "I have had many troubles in my life, most of which never happened." Worrying is an attempt to control an unpredictable future. It's a habit of the mind that can (and should) be changed if you don't want to live in constant anxiety.
Technique: Circle of Control (Stoicism)
Draw a circle. In the center, write "I HAVE CONTROL," and outside, "I HAVE NO CONTROL."
- I have control over: My words, my actions, my reactions, how I prepare for a presentation.
- I have no control over: The weather, traffic, my boss's mood, the past, what others think of me.
Every time you worry, ask: "Is this within my circle?" If not – let it go. Worrying about things beyond your control is a waste of energy.
Scientific Sources:
- Leahy, R. L. (2005). "The Worry Cure: Seven Steps to Stop Worry from Stopping You".
