Stop worrying, start doing! by Brandon Helderop of Proverbs and Business on 03-Sep-2012

Do you spend more time worrying than you should? Recently, it seems like I’ve been running into a lot of worried people. Many about job security. Others about company revenues being down. Some are worried about reports from the media that say economic statistics may be pointing towards another potential recession. And, among others, is health.

While there are some things we can and should be worrying about, we need to look for the silver lining and make sure we are worrying about things that we actually have control over. It’s easy to get caught up in things happening externally, like the negative news in the media. The problem, though, is that many of the worries we experience are out of our control and, as a result, we waste much-needed energy on them.

If you worry is job security, this is something you can control. Same thing with your health. Instead of wasting much-needed energy worrying about these types of issues, how about we look for solutions. If you are in danger of losing your job, set personal goals that will lead to an improved performance. Up your sales goals, come in a half hour early, stay a half hour late, join a personal improvement class, join a networking group to expand your personal network. At the same time, improve your health by eating a well-balanced diet, joining a gym, exercising regularly and dropping alcohol and smoking.

Maybe you’re worried about the government’s actions. As someone extremely invested in politics, this is one area in which I struggle. I find myself, at times, getting worked up about politics. While you can speak to your local representative (or even run for office) to make your voice heard, in the grand scheme of things, there’s only so much one can do. Make your voice heard and do your part but don’t lose sleep over investments that you cannot directly control.

If the media and news are causing you to worry, while you cannot change the news, there is something you can do. Turn off the TV / Radio / Internet! Stop worrying, because it is out of your control. Instead, put good things in your mind.

Instead of buying into the negative that closes your mind, fill your mind with positive. Anthony J D’Angelo said, "Your mind is like a parachute. It only works if it is open." I see entrepreneurs and employees that, because of negative economic reports, allow the news to affect their jobs. By chance, all of a sudden, there are no opportunities out there. Look at the glass half full. When we are looking at the glass half full, we are looking for the opportunities, rather than feeling bad for ourselves.

I love the quote, "You can be part of the problem or you can be part of the solution". When we are worrying about things that are out of our control or not taking actions to fix worries that are, we are allowing ourselves to be part of the problem. Next time you find yourself worrying, ask yourself this: Is this something I can control? If so, take the necessary steps. If not, save your energy for the things you can control and start looking for solutions.

What types of worries do you have on a daily basis and what are some solutions?

Brandon Helderop is the founder and author of the blog, Proverbs and Business. You contact him at proverbsandbiz@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter at @proverbsandbiz

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