Breaking the Patterns of Worry

Worry had gained control. It then started affecting my personality. I became unattractive in business because I was perceived as needy. That behavior led back to my fears and once again became a self-fulfilling prophecy - worry led me to reality. What is the solution? I could easily say, "Don't worry." While that is ultimately the answer, the process to do that is what is most helpful.

Here is how you start - change your patterns.

The above scenario shared a pattern that I have observed hundreds of people, including myself, going through. By changing your patterns you change the outcome. You may have heard the phrase "turn the other cheek." That is in reference to taking a slap on the cheek and turning to offer the other.

The secret here is not to just "be nice" and take a hit. The secret is that you change the pattern. The natural pattern is to trade a hit for a hit. When you take a hit and don't hit back, you have just changed the pattern and most likely the fight. The other person feels bad for hitting you and you know that you have controlled your anger.

In the case of worry, if every time you worry about something you, instead, do something nice for someone else, you have just changed a pattern. Or, if you find that you worry more on the weekends, do something to distract you from it.

Other helpful ways to change patterns are to avoid the worry thoughts, pray, change what you listen to in drive time (no talk radio, only inspiration), change who you talk with, etc.

Is this true with you? What are the main things you worry about?

Analyze your worry and create a plan to change your pattern.