T I M E M A N A G E M E N T
worry returns, gently remind yourself that you’ll handle it at the
appointed time.
3. Worrying Focused on the past
“If only I had.. .”
“How could I have... ?”
But you didn’t. Or you did. It’s done or it isn’t done. Either way,
it’s over.
Instead of worrying, release. Is there anything you can do to
make the situation better now? If so, write down the action with
the specific time and place you’ll do it.
If there’s nothing you can do, let it go. Don’t wallow in regret.
As fear looks to the future, remorse dwells in the past. They are
the same crippling response facing in opposite directions.
4. Worry Feeding on Inertia
Action deferred can be worry compounded. The longer you put
off the confrontation, the stronger your worry may become—and
the harder it will be for you to overcome it.
Instead of worrying, act. Even a “mistake” is often better than
doing nothing. If you can’t act now, write down the action you’ll
take and where and when you’ll take it.
Deal with it and get on with it.
5. Worry thriving on evasion
Decisions carry price tags. Whatever choice you make, it may
cost you something. If you don’t want to face those consequences,
you may simply put off the decision. Your worry will rush in to fill
the vacuum you create with your lack of action.