Is worrying worth it?

Lately, my mornings have followed the same pattern.

I wake up, and before I even get out of bed, my mind starts racing.

• What homework do I have?

• Should I work on my business or my actual job?

• Will I waste my fresh mental energy on work tasks instead of what truly matters to me in the morning? If I don’t, will I feel the pressure all day?

• What am I going to do about money after school? Where will I live? Who will I live with?

• How will I find time to read, listen to my podcast, and learn?

It’s the same cycle of worry, over and over.

And the funny thing is, deep down, I know it’s all going to work out. Yet anxiety and fear still get the best of me.

I think a majority of what we do in life is driven by fear. It’s a natural instinct—one that can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. Fear can push you to take action because you don’t want to deal with the consequences of inaction. But it can also keep you stuck, doubting yourself and worrying about what others might think.

On the other side of that fear, though, is freedom and the longer you choose to do nothing about that fear, the longer you choose the worst version of you.

I guarantee that whatever thoughts, emotions, or anxieties you’re experiencing right now, someone else has felt them too. You’re not alone and there is an answer.

Here are a few things I’ve been trying to break the cycle:

1. Structuring My Mornings

I try my best to plan my mornings the night before. I set clear priorities so I don’t waste any time debating in the morning. Lately, I have been choosing to work for about an hour in the morning because the feeling of having unfished work lingers with me throughout the day.

2. Having a Decision Framework

When I feel stuck between options, I ask:

• Which one gets me closer with my long term life goal?

• Which one, if left undone, will cause more stress later?

• Which one will I be proud of choosing or which one will make for a better story?

3. Shifting My Mindset

I now view fear as a signal. Instead of letting it dictate me, I remind myself that it’s an opportunity to grow. It’s a sign to lean into the discomfort and prove to yourself that you can overcome it. I’m far from perfecting this mindset but it’s getting easier.

4. Reflecting often

Ever so often, I take a moment to ask myself: What’s my biggest worry right now? I write it down, sit with it, and remind myself that I’ve faced uncertainty before and things usually work out. They may not work out how you anticipated, but they work out.

I worry a lot, but I have gotten better at managing it. This year, I’ve really started to lean into my fears and taking action, and proving to myself that I’m capable has been one of the most rewarding feelings. More often than not, there was nothing to be scared of and all the worry wasn’t worth the energy.

I hope this can bring someone a little peace and purpose.