I’ve been updating Blog Posts all day, and in the background I’ve been listening to CNBC – and they are driving me CRAZY with all of this Gloom and Doom, The World Is Ending, Debt Ceiling Crisis Stuff! Yikes! I know I can just change the channel – but I really wanted some BUSINESS updates! Anyway, as part of my day, I ran across this post I did in 2008… It was written more for myself than anything else – and I guess I kinda felt like it was a good idea to repost, and remind myself again today to STOP WORRYING!
This is one of those “Do as I say, Not as I do,” deals…
There’s a lot to worry about right now. As a sales person who covers a fairly large county – gas prices drive ME crazy and then there’s the news media helping me out every chance they get – NO WONDER I’M NOT SLEEPING!
But there are some great strategies that can help you manage when things get overwhelming:
1. Set aside time to worry. That’s right – schedule time to worry. Maybe it’s that 15 minutes on the way to the bank – or maybe it’s during your shower. Schedule a time to worry – and then when you feel those thoughts creeping in during the day – remind yourself that you’re going to focus on that later.
2. Do a Reality Check. “Worriers tend to overestimate the likelihood that a fear will become reality,” says one expert. Are you worrying about something that “might” happen? Do a reality check and see if there are actions you can take that would avoid the problem you’re worried about!
3. Take Action. Okay – as a blogger you know this – but when you wake up in the middle of the night and your stomach is in a knot, write it down. Get it out. Did you answer the phone, “yeah, what do you want?” to a potential 4 million dollar client? Call them back and explain yourself. Afraid you aren’t spending enough time with your children?? Put them on your calender!
4. Use Visualization. Are you concerned about not having enough income to go on vacation? Picture yourself on the beach – with family and fun. Picture yourself making another sale – and getting another listing. CHANGE YOUR PICTURE!
5. Savor NOW. Worrying is usually about the future… Try to concentrate on the present, the warmth of the sun, the first robin, the smell of dinner, the sounds from your children playing.
6. Work it out. Ease muscle tension with deep breathing, stretches, jogging – MOVEMENT. Park in the farthest spot from the door so that you can walk through the parking lot and collect your thoughts. Take the stairs.
One of my favorite quotes is from Lee Ioccoca. He was tasked with turning a bankrupt Chrysler into a company worth owning. There was so much to do! Someone asked him, “What should we do now?” His answer? “Anything, something, the WRONG thing – just make sure you stay away from NOTHING.” Any action will feel better than the paralyzing inaction.
So stop worrying and put on your track shoes! There’s work to be done! Houses need to be sold – and buyers need to move in! Call me if you need a hug!!! 919-649-5057
I try and answer all questions :)