Choice is a funny thing. Sometimes it feels real obvious that there is a choice…do I take this job…marry this person…live in this city, and the list goes on.
All very clear situations of being aware that a choice can be made.
I am curious how many of us realize we have that same level of control to make choices about what is capturing our attention, our mind, our thoughts?
Have you ever been so caught up in your thoughts about a situation, real or imagined, that several minutes go by before you become present with what is happening, and then ask yourself, “What am I doing thinking about this?”
Thoughts can do that…capture our focus and our mind, yet it is always a choice to allow the train to actually leave the station and run away.
Maybe you are doing some deep thought on a business adventure you want to pursue, or thinking about how to become a more engaged dad. I like those thoughts, and if I have the time to let that train take off I will.
It is, however, those thoughts of mine where I can feel the emotion of worry enter my body that drive me the craziest. I don’t see the point of worry if I’m not going to take action. If I am concerned about something to the point of worry, I have a decision to make…either take action that will move the outcome toward the result I want, or stop thinking about it.
Make the choice.
Have you considered how much energy “thought worry” consumes?
In talking with my clients, and in my own life as well, focusing on worrisome thoughts shuts you down being effective in other important and beneficial things.
It is hard to take the next step forward in something when you stand in a fog of worry about something else. You have let your focus be consumed…and if you reflect on it, a great deal of your energy as well.
So how can you make the choice to stop engaging with “thought worry”? Here are some ideas:
1. Bring yourself present to the moment, and what you are doing now. Focusing here will not permit your thoughts to go “there”.
2. Ask yourself if your worry is realistic or not. Most worries are usually not very realistic, and when you can see that, it is easier to let go. If you think the worry is legit, then a) write out worst case scenario and what action you can take if it happens, and b) what action you can take to prevent getting close to worst case scenario.
3. Distract yourself in a healthy way…go for a walk, read a book, watch an interesting movie. Find something to do that enables you to focus your attention to what is in front of you and not the swirling thought worry in your head.
The bottom line is this…you do have a choice to focus on something else to short circuit the worry loop created by your thoughts. My encouragement is that you make that choice, and focus on what is good for you and good in your life, and not waste another second worrying in thought.
Life is just too damn short.
Blessings,
Todd
Author: Todd Gorishek
Todd is a certified Men’s Life Coach, an entrepreneur, a licensed healthcare professional, a husband, a father, and a world traveler. His mission is to co-create a strong and compassionate world by facilitating transformation through understanding, trust, and empowerment.
He received his professional Life Coaching education from Newfield Network, a certified Life Coach training school, and is a member of the International Coach Federation.