Things Helped By Worry

Things Helped By Worry

Worry is a terrible strategy for solving problems.

But for some, it might be the only way they know.

It might feel like worrying helps. Ever hear of  Shantideva? He was an 8th century CE Indian philosopher, Buddhist monk, poet and scholar would put it this way:

"If you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying? If you can't solve it, then what is the use of worrying?"

Worrying endlessly about something that may or may not happen in the future doesn’t help. But making a plan for what to do if that thing comes to pass does.

So now, when you catch yourself starting to worry—which I hope is not too often—try to sit down and make a plan. And then I take that plan, file it away, and stop thinking about it.

That’s it. No need to worry about that scenario, because you will have a plan.

Next time you find yourself in one of those cycles of worry, remember what Shantideva said. Action is a strategy, worry is not. So make a plan, put it away for safekeeping, and get back to work.