I know it sounds like anti-logic, but sometimes you have to imagine the worst.
Years ago I think I was in the most stressful job I’ve ever had. I was aboard where I couldn’t speak the language very well and I had to manage people who didn’t really want to do things my way. It was incredibly hard to come in every day and the pressure was relentless.
But nowadays I have a way out of this seemingly impossible wall of stress. And it’s simple.
I imagine the worst case scenario. The thing that has been truly the source of all my stress and anxiety.
I get reprimanded by my boss. I get a warning. I lose my job. I lose my house. My family and me have to live in a van for a year while we scrape together savings.
I let it all unfold in my mind… then I come back.
Because once you’ve gone through the ‘worst’ in your head, it’s easier to see your present situation in a different light. One that is a bit more realistic.
Why?
Because you’ve already been to the worst place … the one your mind was so trying to avoid with all that stress attached…. and you lived to tell the tale.
The chances are things will never turn out the way you project them to.
Yes, stress is there to make sure we don’t cock things up.
But sometimes you have to step outside of yourself and reassess.
And fight fire with fire.