I am going for a surgery tomorrow. Initially this caused me a lot of stress and anxiety!
I started to prepare for it by reading up on it, speaking to people who knew about it, and visiting the hospital where the surgery is taking place. I found that my anxiety and stress level kept going down as I began to know more and more about it.
The lesson applies in all walks of life. Anything we worry about can be substantially reduced or even eliminated by preparation.
If you are worrying about your job or relationship or career, start by writing down the following:
- Articulate your deep rooted worry.
- Is there an unknown in the equation which you can find out about?
- Has someone else gone through a similar experience who can share insights?
- Can a friend, spouse or sibling help?
- Articulate the worst that can happen to you.
- What action can you take now to minimize the anxiety?
- Take action immediately to minimize damage.
By taking these seven steps you will find that what you really worry about seldom happens.
Also to take your mind away from your stress, help someone. It always works!
How about you? How prepared are you to overcome your anxiety?
