10 Steps to Overcoming Worry
1. BREAK THE HABIT. The worry habit develops over a long time, but a bad habit can be broken. The first step is resolving to break it.
2. AIM TO BREATHE AND THINK FREE. Worry cuts of your natural energy and effectiveness. Do not strangle yourself with worry thoughts.
3. PUT IT IN PERSPECTIVE. It has been computed that 40 percent of your worries concern the past, 50 percent is related to the future and 10 percent deals with the present. Ninety-two percent of worries never happen.
4. FORGET IT. An effective way to stop worrying about past mistakes is to become skilled in forgetting. Each day, say aloud: "Forgetting those things which are behind , and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark" (Philippians 3:13:14).
5. OVERLOOK IT. "The essence of genius is to know what to overlook," said the great psychologist-philosopher William James. When the worrier learns to overlook, tension disintegrates.
6. SEE A BRIGHT FUTURE. Instead of looking for tomorrow's dark spots, look for a future full of light, one in which God watches over you. Don't worry about what may happen; create good happenings through faith.
7. STAY CALM. You will not be a worrier when you cultivate the attitude of imperturbability. Regardless of your anxiety or stress, say and believe, "God is keeping me calm and peaceful.".
8. DUMP THE TRASH. If you have filled your mind with worry thoughts, you can empty them out. One way to do this is to declare with authority: "I am now emptying my mind of all worry, anxiety, fear and insecurity."
9. THINK POSITIVE. The mind is so constituted that it will not long remain empty. It must be filled with something positive, or the negative-worry thought pattern will return. So each day, deliberately practice filling the mind with strong, healthy thoughts. Say aloud, "God is filling my mind with courage, strength, peace and assurance."
10. FEEL GOD. One of the greatest techniques for courageous living is to feel God's presence. Learn to know that God is with you every minute, day and night. Affirm daily, "God is with me now and always. God will never leave me. I am never alone. His presence protects me."
These ten steps were adapted from Help Yourself with God's Help (Peale Center for Christian Living, Pawling, NY 1976)
1. BREAK THE HABIT. The worry habit develops over a long time, but a bad habit can be broken. The first step is resolving to break it.
2. AIM TO BREATHE AND THINK FREE. Worry cuts of your natural energy and effectiveness. Do not strangle yourself with worry thoughts.
3. PUT IT IN PERSPECTIVE. It has been computed that 40 percent of your worries concern the past, 50 percent is related to the future and 10 percent deals with the present. Ninety-two percent of worries never happen.
4. FORGET IT. An effective way to stop worrying about past mistakes is to become skilled in forgetting. Each day, say aloud: "Forgetting those things which are behind , and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark" (Philippians 3:13:14).
5. OVERLOOK IT. "The essence of genius is to know what to overlook," said the great psychologist-philosopher William James. When the worrier learns to overlook, tension disintegrates.
6. SEE A BRIGHT FUTURE. Instead of looking for tomorrow's dark spots, look for a future full of light, one in which God watches over you. Don't worry about what may happen; create good happenings through faith.
7. STAY CALM. You will not be a worrier when you cultivate the attitude of imperturbability. Regardless of your anxiety or stress, say and believe, "God is keeping me calm and peaceful.".
8. DUMP THE TRASH. If you have filled your mind with worry thoughts, you can empty them out. One way to do this is to declare with authority: "I am now emptying my mind of all worry, anxiety, fear and insecurity."
9. THINK POSITIVE. The mind is so constituted that it will not long remain empty. It must be filled with something positive, or the negative-worry thought pattern will return. So each day, deliberately practice filling the mind with strong, healthy thoughts. Say aloud, "God is filling my mind with courage, strength, peace and assurance."
10. FEEL GOD. One of the greatest techniques for courageous living is to feel God's presence. Learn to know that God is with you every minute, day and night. Affirm daily, "God is with me now and always. God will never leave me. I am never alone. His presence protects me."
These ten steps were adapted from Help Yourself with God's Help (Peale Center for Christian Living, Pawling, NY 1976)
