Do not Worry…Be Cheerful!

The financial slowdown has several individuals worrying in regards to the long-term destiny of their “life plans” as well as the short-term fate of their professions. In the corporate world, several executives are questioning “If I fret, or focus too much on what might fail, is that the fact I create?”

What’s wrong with worrying?

When “worry thoughts” dwell in our minds, we allow destructive thoughts decide our future. Besides adversely affecting our health and relationships, anxiety keeps us focused on what we do not want. After we worry, our brains are essentially in the condition of “fight or flight”, incapable of shaping what we wish for or incapable to stay open to imaginative thoughts.

Let us be clear. Peacefully acknowledging what is or what might possibly fail is extremely different than worrying and focusing only on what might go wrong.

How to transform your thoughts?

The first step to break free from worrying is to become alert of how you are feeling as you obsess on what could go wrong. Is your heart speed elevated? Is your neck or gut tight? Your temple furrowed? Using your feelings as key indicators, you will observe that when you be concerned you don’t feel at peace, and when you think strongly, you are feeling at peace and motivated.

What we expect can be a matter of choice. So when we worry, we always possess the choice to choose thoughts that turn off “fight or flight” feelings, and fresh willingness will move us in the path that serves our purpose. The next time you catch yourself worrying, attempt this:
· Notice that you’ve slipped right into a “fight, flight, or freeze” mode.
· Designate  your thoughts and separate the optimistic from the negative. (For instance, “There go my worry thoughts,” or “Here come my scared-out-of-my-mind thoughts, again.”)
· Exhale as often as you can, then take a deep breath.
· Ask yourself, “What can I believe, say, or do in this moment that is in support of the greater good?” (The greater good might be the example you are setting, the society you want to create, the growth of the people you serve as a leader, or the short and long-term well-being of the Corporation. When you ask the question, the answer will come to you.)
· Re-invoke the condition of question. Ask yourself inquiries that bring about wonder and possibility: If you could modify the situation, what would it look like? How can you be prepared? If something has gone wrong, what can you do to fix it? How can you stay on course? How can you transform the course? How can you be of highest and best service to your clients, suppliers, employees, and investors?

Powerful thoughts keep us in a state of vision and opportunity, moving us in the direction of what we desire, even in the most demanding times. When we practice managing our feelings, we find inspiration and peace. It is then that the dreams on how to control or exceed intricacy shine through, and we distinguish the right thing to do. It is then that we achieve important outcome.

Always remember that in our part as executives, it is our duty to present an inspiring dream for others to move toward.

Always remember Proverbs 29:18
“Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

Keep your feelings positive. It sure beats the alternative.