Today . . . I am thinking about this question that came in from one
of our readers about what to do when you feel as if you're drowning in worry.
If you have a small business question that you'd like for me to answer, let me know.
Q: Susan, I'm worried all the time and about everything.
I'm worried my business
isn't going to ever make a profit, I'm worried that if I keep this pace
up I'm going to have a heart attack, worried about my family, worried
about finances, and now worried about worrying as much as I do!
Do you have any advice on how I can take back control of my thoughts and worry less?"
A: Worry seems to be widespread there days. Just about every small business owner I know has in one way or another felt the touch of anxiety born from worry. I say that only to let you know that you are not alone, and to let you know that there are some things you can do to put worry in its place.
If something is weighing heavily on your heart and mind, ask yourself: Can I control this thing I'm worried about? If the answer is yes, then it's relatively easy to decide what it really is you want to see happen and then take the steps necessary to get from here to there.
If, on the other hand, you cannot control the situation causing your worry, I have found the following techniques to be helpful:
1. Get involved in an activity to get some relief from your worries.
Activities in which you are physically active and mentally engaged are usually the best. Action activities like gardening, cleaning out your garage, walking the dog, or swimming laps are better at controlling worry than passive activities like watching TV.
2. There's something really comforting about the Serenity Prayer.
Repeat it as many times as necessary when you feel worry gnawing in your gut.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.3. Stop the thought.
There's lots of ways you can do this. Some people place a rubber band around their wrist and snap it every time they become aware that a worrisome thought has invaded their calm. Other folks simply shout the word, "STOP!" and immediately re-direct their thoughts to focus on something pleasant. Whatever works for you, the important think is to stop the thought.
4. Put the worries down on paper.
There's something very healing about getting the niggling thoughts out of your head by writing them down in a notebook. It doesn't have the same effect if you type them out on your computer. It's the kinesthetic act of actually writing down the bothersome chatter, then shutting the notebook and leaving it behind you on the table that does wonders for putting worry in its place.
Lastly, if worry really has you worried, then consider seeking the help of a trained counselor or psychologist. There's no shame in seeking help for something as normal as worry. Because worry that goes too long unattended can turn into severe anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. So seek professional help, if needed.
How's that?
Do you have any other suggestions? If so, leave a comment and let us know. And, if you have a small business question that you'd like for me to answer, let me know.
Susan L. Reid
Inner Samurai Business ExpertAward-winning author of Discovering Your Inner Samurai: The Entrepreneurial Woman's Journey to Business Success
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