Take out a sheet of paper and divided it into three columns.
- Consider your problem or goal or issue you are concerned with at this moment.
- In the first column, list every negative result that could happen if you do the action you are considering.
- In the second column, write down ways that you could minimize each of those negative results.
- And in the final column, determine a way that you could recover from each of the setbacks.
| The Problem:
|
|||
| Every negative result that could happen if above action is taken: | Ways to minimize each negative result: | How I could recover from each of the potential setbacks: | |
Tim Ferriss said, “It’s very important that you practice your worst-case scenario, and what you’ll find is that many of the fears you have are based on undervaluing the things that are easily obtainable.” [7]
What does this mean?
Simply put, we can be very good at seeing the worst case scenario in a much larger scale than is necessary. Shine a little light on that nasty, crappy situation and maybe you’ll see that all those “my life’s over” thoughts aren’t really as bad as initially feared. In fact, you may find that you can recover from them easier than initially thought.
Using this approach will help decrease the fear of the unknown which can help you take more action, easier. That helps lower stress levels which help you feel better with IBD.
Try this:
Complete your practical pessimism worksheet today. Notice how you feel afterward. See if this helps you take action on a goal and/or decrease any anxiety that might have been affecting you.
