Q: How many of my problems are imaginary?
A: More than you might think
In the book Chicken Soup For The Soul, Nadine Stair (an 85 year old woman from Kentucky) shares a remarkable piece of wisdom in her answer to the question, “How would you have lived your life differently if you had a chance?” The following is an excerpt from her response:
I would, perhaps, have more actual troubles but fewer imaginary ones.
Most people, including myself, worry and fret about things that could happen more often than things that are actually happening.
What we tend to focus on:
What if I get laid off?
What if this relationship doesn’t work out?
What if my kids don’t turn out like I hoped?
What if…?
What we should focus on:
Have I transferred any money into my savings account?
Am I using this moment well?
Am I fulfilled in this position?
Am I loving my family well today?
Actionable Question: Is this a real problem or an imagined one?
Until next week,
Andrew Nemeth