I think we can all agree that worrying sucks. It’s a waste of energy, because nothing gets fixed by just worrying about it. We worry because we feel that by worrying we are in control of situations, but we all know that this is just an illusion.

I used to be a chronic worrier and for the last couple of years I’ve been experimenting different techniques and reading books on how to get rid of worry. This is, in a nutshell, what I’ve learned.

Step 1: Think About the Worst Case Scenario
As it turns out, in most cases the worst that could happen isn’t too bad after all. Think about all the things you could do if the worst happened. For example, let’s say you’re worried about losing a key employee. What would that scenario be like? How would you react to it? Would you still be able to run a profitable company without her?

Most worriers prefer a guaranteed bad outcome than the possibility of a bad outcome. Uncertainty is for them worse than the worst possible outcome itself. Once you realize that the worst case scenario isn’t the end of the world, you’ll feel much better.

Step 2: Figure Out How Likely It Is for the Worst Case Scenario to Become a Reality
Most of the time we worry about things that aren’t likely to happen at all. What are the chances that your daughter has been kidnapped? 0.0001%? Isn’t it more likely that she’s having fun with her friends and is running a few minutes late?

Step 3: Do What You Can Do
Let’s go back to the worry of losing a key employee. What can you do about it? Maybe you can talk to her and find out what she wants and whether she’s getting it at your company. You can ask her what your company can do to keep her on board. Do as much as you can do.

Step 4: Accept that You Don’t Have Control Over Everything
There are things you can’t do anything about. Maybe a competitor can afford to pay your employee much more than you can. Maybe she wants to move to a different city, or go back to school. Do whatever is in your power to retain her, but at the same time accept that there are external factors you have no control over.

Step 5: Accept Uncertainty
There’s uncertainty everywhere. Especially if you’re an entrepreneur. Most worriers try to think of every possible scenario and they feel that if they plan everything carefully enough, things will go smoothly. But that’s not how it works. I learned this the hard way. Uncertainty is real, whether you want to accept it or not.

99% of the problems I used to worry about were imaginary. They were “what ifs”, such as “what if this client isn’t happy with the report we provided?” or “what if my wife doesn’t like this sweater?” Stop worrying about imaginary problems. When real problems arise, you’ll deal with them. In the meantime, let go of the “what ifs” and get ready for a much more fulfilling and relaxed life.

Author: Zeke Camusio

Zeke Camusio is a serial entrepreneur, marketing speaker, author of The Internet Marketing Bible and CEO of The Outsourcing Company, an Internet marketing agency based out of Portland, Oregon.

Related posts:

1. How to Stop Worrying About Failing (And Finally Succeed) Most people never become as successful as they want to...
2. The Benefits of Being Reactive Instead of Proactive Mark Twain famously said, “I am an old man and...
3. How to Stop Wasting Time and Start Getting Things Done Do you work really hard but don’t make as much...
4. How to Stop Perfectionism from Stealing Your Life Good morning everyone, my name is Zeke and I’m a...
5. Wanna Be Happier? Do This Buddhists talk about the difference between wanting something and clinging...

6 Responses

1. 

   1

   JB 
   

   Great tips. Nearly everyone can use them. “Step 1: Think About the Worst Case Scenario” – works well and is easy if you step back and evaluate from a distance. Very few things are really worth worrying about.

   Regards,

   JB
   http://vrfy.me/jb

2. 

   2

   john vinci 
   

   your comments on worrying have got to be the most pathetic example of someone not qualified to talk on this subject. You expect individual real world problems to be resolved in such inane ways, that you may have forgotten
   , that in most situations of real life, people cannot just think of the worst case scenario and feel good! There are people out here in the real world who are losing homes, businesses, family members just to name a few. Write responsibly for god sake or go back to school or actually live in the real world!

3. 

   3

   damir 
   

   Hey Zeke,

   Excellent post. I particularly love steps 4 and 5. This where lot of people go wrong. Being afraid of uncertainty and trying to control things they can’t control.

   Cheers,

4. 

   4

   Zeke Camusio 
   

   Hi John,

   I’m sorry to hear you feel that way. You must be going through a really bad time. I wish you all the best! If there’s anything I can do to help, don’t hesitate to ask.

   Zeke

5. 

   5

   Paul Walsh 
   

   Hi Zeke,

   I think the points you have raised here are very true and that a lot of trivial problems we conjure up in our heads aren’t really that bad at all. I have experienced this myself recently with worrying about being overwhelmed with work.

   Of course there are more serious issues like John mentions but for the trivial things which are apparent to a lot of business owners, what you have suggested here is something definitely worth taking note of! Thank you!

   Paul

6. 

   6

   Diane LaRaja 
   

   Zeke,

   Even with all the advice which is what I try to follow, there is always that little voice that says”What if…..” But all in all I think these steps can help everyone.

   I do know a lot of people that went through a lot of serious problems who recovered and succeeded and have wonderful life. Did they worry? Probably. It is all about attitude, and yes john vinci, people are losing their homes and jobs, but when things are out of your control, the only thing to do is move forward. Sometimes everything works itself out. I try to keep a positive attitude through all the worry and that has always worked for me….