How to Turn Worry into Fuel for Getting Things Done

How to Turn Worry into Fuel for Getting Things Done

We all worry sometimes. Maybe it’s a difficult situation at work, a relationship issue, or the stress of paying the bills. Whatever it is, worry has a way of showing up, invited or not. But the real problem isn't the worry itself—it’s when that worry starts to take over your life and completely paralyze you.

So, what's the real goal? Is simply stopping the worry enough, or do we want something more? What if, instead of worrying, we could use that energy and turn it into excitement?

What if we could use that excitement to get more done than we ever thought possible?

Here are seven ways to make that happen.

1. Be Here Now

Worry has a sneaky way of trapping you in the past or the future. You’re either obsessing over something that's already happened, or you're freaking out about something that hasn't. Neither of those places is going to help you. To stop worrying, you have to pull yourself back to the present moment. Ask yourself: What can I focus on right now? What is in front of me that I can engage with?

2. Recognize It's a Waste of Time

Worry is a momentum killer. In fact, most procrastination is caused by worrying about all the things that could go wrong. Once you recognize that worry is just a huge waste of your time and energy, it becomes a lot easier to ditch it. Especially when you have better places to be and better things to do.

3. Throw Yourself into Something Engaging

Worry needs your attention to survive. It’s like a plant that withers without water. So, instead of watering it with your focus, get busy doing something that completely engages your mind. The more interesting and absorbing the task, the more you'll find you forget all about what you were worrying about in the first place.

4. Rewrite the Script

If you're worried about a potential disaster, take a moment and focus on that worst-case scenario. Instead of just letting it consume you, ask yourself: “How would I handle this if it happened?” Once you have a plan, practice it in your mind. Visualize yourself handling the situation calmly and effectively. This mental rehearsal takes the power away from the fear and puts you in control.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice

Worried about something you have to do later, like a big presentation or a difficult conversation? Do a dress rehearsal in your head. Walk through it from beginning to end. The more you practice, the more familiar it becomes. This makes the real event go much more smoothly and keeps worry from even getting a foothold.

6. Ask Why

Challenge your worry head-on. Dig in and get to the root of it until you understand it intimately. Ask yourself where the negativity came from. What is the real fear underneath the surface? Peel back the layers until you get to the heart of the matter. Once you know what you’re really worried about, you can address it.

7. Try a New Path

Worry can be a very comfortable, familiar place. It’s a habit. So, challenge yourself to break the pattern. Find a different way to do something you’ve always done. Try a new approach to a problem. Explore where this new path takes you. This not only shakes you out of your worry rut but also opens up a world of new possibilities.

The main point in all of this is to enjoy the journey. That’s where you find the excitement and enthusiasm that fuels action. The rest is just momentum and a whole lot of brand-new accomplishments waiting to happen.