If you are trying to stay present, while worrying about the future, you have probably noticed that it’s not possible. You cannot be in two places at once! I’m addressing this pattern with several people and decided to write about it.
This time of year, many of us are planning things to come – going someplace warm, exploring, starting or learning something new. It’s also when people start worrying about those plans with negative thoughts. It’s the worry that creates anxiety, blocking plans from happening. That’s where learning to stay present to manage your worry about the future becomes important.
Here are some simple strategies to address this pattern.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE/FEEL?
Reconnecting with the purpose of your plans is a good starting point. The start of something is full of hope and the promise of goodness – expansion, learning, joy, excitement, relaxation, fulfillment of dreams. The content of worry or anxiety is pessimism that says “I can’t, It won’t work, something will go wrong” – a negative deflation. You can change pessimism by reminding yourself why this is important. Keep your thoughts on the positive reason it’s important.
BE PRESENT AND CHANGE THOUGHTS TO THE POSITIVE
Changing patterns of worry and anxiety is possible when you are willing to change engrained patterns. Put your focus on what’s in front of you and stop looking for or interpreting things as negative. People who are pessimistic vs optimistic put more attention on the possibility of negative outcomes. This creates more anxiety which can block you from what you want or rob the joy of the positive. Stay focused in the present. Worrying about the future doesn’t change anything, it only makes you miserable.
FOCUS ON PRESENT ACTION
A simple technique for staying present and getting out of the negative feelings is to move from a feeling state to a doing state. When you are doing something in the present moment, playing a game, writing or making something, you aren’t in your feelings – you are actively doing. This moves you out of the worry and calms anxiety.
You can change a worried mind. Reach out if you’d like to know more.
