Another good topic and article. It sounds like you read Dr. Steven Covey's book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, where he talks of the circle of concern, influence, and control. If you haven't you might enjoy it.
When my son was 4 I found myself obsessing, in September, about where he would go to camp the following summer. This is not atypical for NYC parents. And then it occurred to me: there were actions I could take to be prepared but the outcome would be the same whether I worried about it or not. It was the moment I let go of worry. Just. Like. That. I think most people want to worry on some level because it feels like they are doing something. But the only thing they are doing is worrying. When I feel a worry creeping in, I now have a barometer to see it clearly and take an action. This has been one of the most freeing things I have done in my life. It is surprising to me how easy it was and how shocked people are when I tell them I gave up worrying. Thanks for this piece. I’ll definitely share it!
My grandmother, from my dad side, use to say something similar: "If it has a remedy, why worry about it? If it doesn't have a remedy, less worry about it".
I defined one of my core values as Own It - Accountability starts with me. I own my destiny - in a way to say that I should focus on what I can control. As you said, easier said than done. Thank you for the reminder.
Worry is interest paid on trouble before it comes due.
-William Inge
Another good topic and article. It sounds like you read Dr. Steven Covey's book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, where he talks of the circle of concern, influence, and control. If you haven't you might enjoy it.
Be creative rather than being a controller.
When my son was 4 I found myself obsessing, in September, about where he would go to camp the following summer. This is not atypical for NYC parents. And then it occurred to me: there were actions I could take to be prepared but the outcome would be the same whether I worried about it or not. It was the moment I let go of worry. Just. Like. That. I think most people want to worry on some level because it feels like they are doing something. But the only thing they are doing is worrying. When I feel a worry creeping in, I now have a barometer to see it clearly and take an action. This has been one of the most freeing things I have done in my life. It is surprising to me how easy it was and how shocked people are when I tell them I gave up worrying. Thanks for this piece. I’ll definitely share it!
Thanks Jamie, great example!
My grandmother, from my dad side, use to say something similar: "If it has a remedy, why worry about it? If it doesn't have a remedy, less worry about it".
I defined one of my core values as Own It - Accountability starts with me. I own my destiny - in a way to say that I should focus on what I can control. As you said, easier said than done. Thank you for the reminder.