In my therapy days, I would tell my clients that anxiety lives in our past and future, if we can stay in the present we can minimize our anxiety in great ways.
Unfortunately in our school systems, we are taught to worry as a way to succeed by worrying about studying, worrying about testing, and worrying about final grades. I’ve watched hundreds of kids over the years develop serious mental health concerns as a result of constant worry about “making it” into the best college, or the top programming, etc.
I call this type of worrier a “pre-crastinator.” They are the opposite of a “procrastinator” who habitually puts things off. Instead, they do all the things now, so they are done and don’t have to worry about them later, which is exactly what our quote is about. A pre-crastinator is just as toxic as a procrastinator, both have their vices.
The problem with pre-crastinating is that all the small things that do not matter get in the way of what affects the big picture. You have people running out to get pens they don’t need right away rather than seeing clients in or to make money when making money is their top goal.
Pre-crastinating is distracting and not worth it in terms of moving the dial closer to your over-arching goals. Plus it causes a lot of unnecessary worry along the way. Worry that can affect your mental health and overall well-being.
If we are in a constant state of worry, our body and mind are in a constant state of stress, which affects us from both a physiological and emotional level. It’s not good. It can lead to burnout, poor mental health, and that nagging feeling your work is never done. Insert: those moments of overwhelm where you feel there is so much to do you are frozen.
We need to see that all the worry we have today doesn’t lead to less worry tomorrow. Because, if you are a pre-crastinator, chances are tomorrow you have a whole new worry list to worry about anyways.
So stop emptying today of its strength. Stop emptying yourself of your strength! Pick a couple of items you must do and then do something for you that brings a smile to your face or just feels good. Being in the moment is a special place to be when you are present with yourself and know where your priorities really are.
Once you find yourself being more present and able to let go of those worries for tomorrow, you will find yourself more relaxed with a clearer mind and better focus on taking on the world…one thing at a time.
Remember anxiety lives in the past and the future.
You have complete control over what you worry about. When there are times you feel you aren’t in control: take a step back. Look at yourself in the situation, take a deep breath, and say to yourself, “I am in control.”
Once you find yourself being more present and able to let go of those worries for tomorrow, you will find yourself more relaxed with a clearer mind and better focus on taking on the world…one thing at a time.
There is always the choice to feel different, think different, and be different every day.
…it’s not tomorrow yet and yesterday is already behind us. Be here. Now.
