In today’s chaotic world, worry is the constant companion to a growing number of people. Conventional wisdom would indicate that little will change in the foreseeable future. In fact, if anything, the list of daily stressors which lead to worry continues to grow. Additions to that infamous list include health costs, financial concerns, finding work, terrorism, climate change, job-related stress, crime, time demands, food and gas prices, mortgages, etc.
Worry has been defined as follows: as a verb: to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; fret.
As a noun: a cause of uneasiness or anxiety; trouble.
I once heard worry described as “interest paid on trouble before it comes due.” Worry has become one of America’s worst enemies. Worry is like a rocking chair as it requires a lot of energy while getting you nowhere!
When you really think about it, it simply doesn’t make sense to worry. For years psychologists and other researchers have told us the following:
- Roughly 40% of what people worry about never happens.
- Nearly 30% has already happened and can’t be changed.
- 12% of our worries involve unfounded health concerns.
- 10% Are Petty Miscellaneous Worries!
That leaves only 8% of our worries that are real! Therefore, we are worrying 92% of the time for no good reason … and it’s killing us!
In the future, simply re-channel that 92% of your time and energy into focusing on the 8% of your worries which are real. You’ll quickly solve those few problems you’re worrying about, you’ll enjoy better health, longer life and become much more productive in every aspect of your life!
In short, if you’re not happy with your current situation in life … don’t worry, do something about it. Worry less and act more. Or, as Bobby McFerrin suggests: “Don’t Worry—Be Happy!”
About Harry K. Jones
Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.