Thursday Motivation October 31, 2019

The mind that is anxious about future events is miserable.

— Seneca.

How often do we make ourselves miserable thinking about that conversation with our boss later this afternoon or that presentation we have to give next week ?

Thinking, quickly becomes anxiety, when we spend time doing it without constructive thought. If there isn’t a direct purpose in figuring something out and coming up with an answer, then we are just whooping ourselves up about the future.

We miss the moment. What needs to get done now –  worrying about something that isn’t even happening yet. The anxiety is impacting the here and now. And that may in fact make the future be what you fear. 

I’ve done this plenty of times in my life. I’d say it used to be a big part of my life. It still rears it’s ugly little head from time to time.

Working to reduce this helps not only be more productive, but happier overall.

It takes some adjusting.

Each time you find yourself doing this, remind yourself – there is no purpose in thinking about it now.

Plenty of time to deal with it when it’s happening.

Don’t fight the thought.

Don’t get upset with yourself for thinking. Just don’t lean into it. Acknowledge the thought and feeling that comes with it, and move on. Go back to what needs to be done right this moment.

With practice it can be done. You’ll be amazed at how much happier you are when you adjust this one thing. It takes work, but it is so worth it.