It’s so easy to get caught up in the petty happenings of today, become narrow-minded, and start to worry. When this happens, we’re less effective, we become self-centered, and we tend to pull those around us down. We need to lighten up and put things in perspective.
In his book The Greatest Salesman in the World, Og Mandino asks a great question that helps us do just that:
“What can take place before the sun sets which will not seem insignificant in the river of centuries?”
Really, what’s the worst that could happen? Is all the stress and anxiety over that situation, that project, or that relationship really necessary?
I know I’ve gotten caught up in petty happenings before. I think of my time in college when, more often than I’d like to admit, I’d worry about all the studying I had to do and how everything was going to work out. I was dating Claudia, bussing tables at night, and watching football on Sundays. So stressful, right? In hindsight, I realize all the stress and anxiety weren’t necessary.
I can’t help but wonder, are there any petty happenings today that I’m getting caught up in? Is there anything that I’m allowing to narrow my perspective and to cause worry?
What about you in your life? Are you getting caught up in petty happenings and becoming stressed and anxious? If yes, read How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie. I’m currently reading it and it’s packed full of practical tips and great advice.
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How to Stop Worrying and Starting Living sounds like a great resource. I’ll have to check it out.
My mom always told to me ask myself if what I am worrying about will matter in five years. I think about this when I find myself getting bogged down by issues. In some cases, yes, it will matter in five years, so I work to deal with that situation. In many cases it won’t matter, so I work to let it go.
That’s a great question to ask, Jody. It’s essentially the same as the one by Og Mandino.
How to Stop Worrying and Starting Living is a great resource. It’s a book I’m listening to on audio and one I’m really enjoying. Hope you guys are well!
Michael, you asked: Is all the stress and anxiety over that situation, that project, or that relationship really necessary? And of course, regardless of the situation, project or relationship – the answer is NO!!! I get sucked into stressing over things that have no direct bearing on the big picture and I thank you for reminding me to stop that!! What a waste of energy.
Great input, Ann. I think you’re right. The stress and anxiety are never necessary or helpful. Urgency, yes; stress and anxiety, no.
I had purchased the Greatest Salesman in the World a couple years ago, and I tried to read through it in the prescribed way: Reading each scroll 3 times daily for 30 days, I never got through the first one!
Perhaps it’s time to try again.
Dan, I never reread through the readings in the prescribed way either but did pull some great stuff from the book. The concept of rereading the texts is the same as what Andy Andrews says to do with his 7 decisions in “The Traveler’s Gift.” I did do just that with that book and really enjoyed it!
What, me stress? Don’t know what you are talking about.
Tom, yeah, me neither. 😉
Love that book Michael. I struggle with living in the day-to-day moment and accomplishing what I need to do! I became overloaded, but recently shed a few responsibilities that cut the worries 🙂
Alex, sounds like you’re adjusting as you go. I learned that’s vital if we want to make consistent progress. I read your post about scaling back to posting twice a week on your blog. Sounds like your priorities are in the right place.