Will it still matter?

I believe in having fun.  I’m a fan of seizing opportunities when they present themselves.  If you read what comfort zone? you’ll see where I’m coming from – risks and challenges bring us to life.  As we get older and wiser, we’re more likely to regret the things we didn’t do, not the things that we did.

But you know what?  Sometimes I get stuck in my own head.  I lose perspective. I turn a little issue into a big issue.  I go over and over insignificant details.  I get worked up and anxious and frustrated.  I struggle to concentrate.  And I’m going to guess that a lot of you can relate to what I’m saying.

Which is why this weeks blog is about my Number 1 tip for coping with worries.  When you can’t get a problem off your mind, ask yourself:

Will it still matter a year from now?

Will you still care?  Will it still be keeping you awake at night?  Will you even remember whatever it is that you’re worrying about at the moment?  I can tell you, almost every time I ask myself this question, the answer is no.

I’m not talking about the big issues.  Divorce, death, a major diagnosis…. these are life-changing experiences and they will still matter, even in 20 years time.  So if your worry is a big one, share the load.  Surround yourself with people who can provide the emotional and the practical support that you need.  Let yourself ride out the highs and lows, it takes time.

But back to the little worries.  Those worries with an inflated sense of importance.  Put them back in their box.  Let your mind fast forward to this very day next year, and relax when you realise that it doesn’t matter at all.  Thinking ‘what if’ and ‘I wish’ is getting you nowhere.  Trying to figure out someone else’s motives is pointless.  So why not breathe deeply, and then get out of your head and do something fun?  It might feel forced at first, but keep on trying.  Go and do something that you will remember a year from now….. something so amazing that you’ll never want to forget it.