The other day I caught myself being indecisive about booking my daughter into kids club. I probably sound a bit soft, but she is my first-born and is about to start school and move house – all within the space of a couple of weeks. Ultimately, I was worried about how she would cope with the changes. I had to have words with myself!
Some of the common topics I deal with when coaching leaders or executives include worry, stress, and anxiety, so I thought I’d share these practical tips.
If you get stuck in a worry cycle, here’s how to deal with it:
- Write down what you are worried about. Sometimes seeing it in black and white can be enough.
- Ascertain what outcome you need.
- Identify: what is the worst that could happen?
- Now normalise your thinking. For example, if you worry about flying, more helpful thinking might be: the stewards on this plane do this every day and they seem relaxed. Looking up statistics relating to your concern can also help.
- Find all the possible solutions within your control. If it’s not within your control – what is the use in worrying?
- Identify the action(s) you are going to take and then act!
- If you continue to worry, don’t indulge the thought. Nip it in the bud by saying, ‘Stop’ or seeing a Stop Sign. I have come across a technique where you put an elastic band on your wrist and pop it each time you have a worrying thought. Sounds bonkers, but some clients swear by it.
- Distract yourself.
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