T I M E M A N A G E M E N T
conscious mind, send it packing, reminding yourself, “I’ve already
decided that.” Do this as many times as necessary.
This may not be easy. You probably have a long pattern of wor-
rying, perhaps going back into early childhood. And you’re prob-
ably receiving some benefit from all that worry. If nothing else,
worry may be serving as a substitute for action or as a means of
avoiding confrontations or evading decisions. Your worries may
give you a sense of engagement with life, and you might feel quite
lost for a while without those familiar worries. Work your way
through this discomfort. You’ll emerge with time and energy for
doing instead of worrying.
8. realize You are Not alone in Your anxiety
You know your inner demons well, but you never see the demons
others bear. You only see the composed masks we all wear in pub-
lic. That fact may lead you to assume that others aren’t worried.
It isn’t true. People worry; they just don’t show it to you. Athletes
call it “putting on your game face.” We all do it to get along.
Other folks probably don’t see your fears, either. They probably fig-
ure you’re cool and calm—unless you choose to tell them otherwise.
9. act in Spite of Your Fear
Don’t wait for the fear to leave you before you act. It doesn’t
work that way.
Courage isn’t lack of fear. Courage is action despite fear. Don’t
pretend to yourself that you’re not afraid. Let yourself experi-
ence your fear fully. Then rechannel that fear into energy and
alertness.
You will begin in fear, but soon a gentle calmness will replace
that fear.