It’s not surprising for people to feel fear and anxiety given the current events all over the world. It is said that depression is a state of mind focusing on the past and anxiety is a state of mind focusing on the present and future. Energy flows to where the mind goes, so if you are overwhelmed with fear and anxiety, it’s very challenging to steer toward a different direction.
I was given advice about local driving conditions and if I find myself driving and then losing control because of a slippery surface. The advice goes like this-“Focus on where you want to go, not where you might be heading.” If I am losing control of my car on a tree-lined road, I sure don’t want to focus on the trees. I want to focus on the road. It might be advice worth considering. I’m not talking about you that particular driving scenario with you behind the wheel but rather the “focus on what is ahead of you and what the future holds. You may not have control over the current state of affairs but you sure do have 100% control over what you choose to keep inside your head and heart.
One way to focus on the future and overcome fear is to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for yourself. By setting goals, you can create a clear vision of where you want to be in the future and take action to achieve them.
To set your goals, you can start by asking yourself some questions, such as:
- What do I want to achieve in the next year, three years, or five years?
- Where do I see myself in the future?
- What does my ideal life look like?
- What skills do I need to develop to achieve my goals?
- What steps do I need to take to get there?
Once you have a clear vision of your future self, you can create an action plan to achieve your goals. Make sure to break down your goals into smaller, achievable steps, and track your progress regularly.
It’s also important to acknowledge that fear is a natural emotion and can be a helpful signal to alert us to potential danger or risk. However, it’s essential not to let fear paralyze you or prevent you from taking action toward your goals. By focusing on your future self and taking small steps towards your goals, you can gradually build confidence and overcome your fears. In doing so, you are now in control of your future and living your best life!
I would love to know what your thoughts are after reading this!