In our last post, we explored FOMO and future worries. The takeaway? It's not your fault—blame it on millions of years of genetic encoding to fear bad outcomes.
Now, let's tackle how to deal with this fear. It torments us because it's vague and shapeless. We're not worried about specific situations, but a general unease about things like going to a party with popular kids. Our minds spin with countless "what ifs," creating discomfort and unhappiness.
This problem is made worse by thinking about multiple situations where things could go wrong. Are my pimples too visible? What if I trip and fall? Will my crush like my outfit? The result? We feel anxious without knowing exactly why.
There are exceptions—like worrying about a test you're unprepared for. These rational fears have clear solutions (like studying harder), and we'll address them later.
The issue with fuzzy fear is that it steals our present happiness. It keeps us from enjoying the NOW, robbing us of life itself, which is nothing but the present moment.
Surprisingly, the solution is journaling—but with a twist. Instead of writing about the past, we'll capture our fuzzy fears about the future. Here's how:
- Use a composition notebook and pen (the physical act of writing is important).
- Write at least 3 pages every night before bed.
- Detail your fears and possible negative outcomes.
- Don't worry about grammar or coherence—just write what comes to mind.
- After writing, rip out the pages, tear them up, and throw them away.
This process helps slow down your mind, making fears more concrete and manageable. It's like a mental workout, building the muscle to reduce panic gradually. When we write down our fears, they become more tangible, and our mind starts problem-solving or realizes they're irrational.
Try it for a week and see how you feel. With time, you'll gain a sense of well-being and confidence you haven't experienced before. You'll learn to handle situations you were previously afraid of and stop worrying so much about the future.
Give it a shot—you might be surprised at how much it helps you live in the present and enjoy life more fully!