Worry, Anxiety & Self Confidence

Worry is one of the most common forms of anxiety, and one of the easiest to understand. We worry because we don't like the feeling of not being in control of the world around us. We worry because we have at some point in our life convinced ourself that if we can't control the world around us, then worry is the next best way to stay on top of those things we cannot control.

Anxiety or worrying in its simplest form is neither a problem nor an emotional deficit. It is when we have created a habit of worrying that interferes with our ability to fully relax and/or enjoy life that it can become a devastating problem.

The degree to which we worry is directly linked to our lack of self confidence. We worry because deep inside we do not believe that we have the ability to cope with the traumatic situations we worry about. We become anxious and worry because we do not have confidence in our own ability to deal with the difficulties that life might present to us.

Acknowledging your worrying as a negative influence in your life is the first step. Making a commitment to overcome your irrational fears by replacing a negative habit with something more positive is the way to begin your journey toward a healthier way of coping with life.

One of the best ways to begin to work your way out of habitually worrying is to start a worry journal.

• Whenever you find yourself worrying intensely about something, write your worry down in your journal.
• Attempt to determine to what degree your fear is rational and to what degree it is having a negative effect on your emotions, and behaviors.
• Then think through the scenario that is fearful to you and imagine to what degree you would be able to take control of the situation. Find those aspects of your personality that will enable you to cope, to survive and to carry on in spite of life's unexpected difficulties. In essence create a plan of empowerment.
  

Most of us are afraid of what we do not understand and what we fear we cannot control. So begin by replacing irrational fears with rational solutions. Doing so will increase your level of self confidence. And when you feel confident in your ability to deal with life's trials, you will no longer have the need to worry.