Have you ever mistaken parsley for coriander? At first glance, they look similar, but their flavors are completely different. In the same way, people often confuse worrying with planning, believing that the more they worry, the better they will prepare. That is not true.
Worrying is an emotional loop that drains your energy:
What if everything goes wrong?
Why do bad things always happen to me?
What if I fail?
Planning, on the other hand, is a structured approach that empowers you to take action:
What steps can I take to minimize risks?
What resources do I need to handle this situation?
What’s my backup plan if things don’t go as expected?
Worry leaves you feeling stuck and overwhelmed but planning leads to clarity and confidence.
Ask Yourself the Right Questions
1. Replace “What if everything goes wrong?” with “What can I do to make this work?”
Worrying about failure doesn’t prevent it; it only increases anxiety. Instead, focus on actionable steps that set you up for success.
2. Replace “Why is this happening to me?” with “What can I learn from this?”
This shifts you from victim mode to growth mode. Every challenge comes with a lesson that can help you become more resilient.
3. Replace “I don’t know what to do” with “Who or what can help me find a solution?”
You don’t have to figure everything out alone. Seeking guidance, doing research, or breaking the problem into smaller steps can make things more manageable.
Next time you catch yourself in a spiral of worry, pause and ask: Am I actually planning, or am I just worrying? If your thoughts aren’t leading to solutions, it’s time to reframe them.
Remember, just as parsley and coriander may look alike but serve different purposes, so do worrying and planning.
THINK ABOUT IT...
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