Anxiety
Anxiety is a real thing, and we often experience it in several forms – anxiety about the future and anxiety about what others think about us. But let’s not forget that a little anxiety and fear aren’t necessarily bad—they help us prepare for a situation, stay more alert, and anticipate potential risks. Beyond a certain point, however, they begin to have a negative effect and work against us.
The key is to distinguish between what is within our control and what is not.
Under our control
Our opinions and preferences
Our actions and choices
Our needs and motivations
Our character
Beyond our control
Events from the past
What others have done
Natural disasters and misfortunes
Other people’s opinions and decisions
All other external situations
„You have control over your mind, not over external events. Realize this, and you will find strength.“
Marcus Aurelius.
„ There is only one path to happiness: to stop worrying about things that are beyond your control.“
Epictetus
According to the Stoics, anxiety arises from the attempt to control something that is beyond our control. Therefore, it is not something external, and since we are the ones who cause it, we can also overcome it.
What You can do
Focus on the present, not the future.
Awareness: Is there a real problem right now?
Focus on what we can control.
Accepting that not everything depends on us.
Facing the thought: Is it really that scary? Will I be able to handle it? Does anything depend on me?
„Don’t spend the rest of your time worrying about what others think, because that distracts you from your own work.“
Marcus Aurelius