Eye of the Tiger

The word of the day is: Fear.

I am a worrywart, everyone knows it. I've only recently decided to take this negative part of my being and use it for good; so instead of worrying, I try to address the fear and find a solution. The alternative is me laying in bed in the fetal position; or staring, paralyzed, at my mounting inbox; or zoning out in front of the TV for hours; or melting down in the shower...none of these sound amazing. My mind races from the moment my eyes open at 5am (who needs coffee when you have worry?). I even get to take Melatonin to sleep most nights, because my overactive brain won't shut down when it's supposed to.

This morning was one of those crazy days, when I heard my obnoxious alarm and BOOM I'm up. I was in the process of willing myself back to an uneasy slumber when I realized the thing that was keeping me from taking on the day was Fear. Fear is a powerful enemy; one who can make all your worst feelings about yourself rise to the forefront of your consciousness. "What happens if...What if they don't...What if they do"... A thousand questions raced through my mind. In an effort to not drive myself crazy and also calm my racing heart, I changed those "What if" questions to "How do I" questions. "How do I take on extra responsibility at work if someone quits?...What action can I take if my client doesn't call me back?...How can I prepare myself for the reaction of my peers to this-or-that?" By taking the power away from "they" and situations I can't possibly predict or control; I took these worrisome questions and thought about how I could respond and prepare. The only thing I have power over is me; and I'm taking the power away from Fear.

As you begin your day, think on the things you most fearful of; and instead of asking "What if I fail?" ask yourself, "How can I best succeed?"