Cool Stuff Media, Inc. - Panic Is Not A Strategy

Panic Is Not A Strategy

Content Copyright "Cool Stuff" Media, Inc. 2009

Reproduction is prohibited without permission

Panic Is Not A Strategy

"Hi Sarah. How is everything going?"

"Oh fine," She said. "But, just wait until next week. Then, my life will be out of control! I have so much to do and not enough time."

"Well, what are you doing this week to prepare for next week?" I asked.

"Ummm . . . nothing really. I'm just trying to relax right now because I know it's going to be chaos next week. Besides, when I'm in panic mode I seem to get more done anyway."

Hold on. . . Was she serious? Did I just hear "panic mode" used as an effective method of productivity? I did . . . and she was serious. Very serious.

Hmmm . . . The more I thought about this, the more I realized how many people approach life using this exact strategy. But is it really the best strategy? I think not. Panic means one thing: You're living in reaction--and if you're living in reaction you're not really in control.

To be happy long term, we need to know that we do have some control over our destiny and our quality of life. It's true, we cannot control every aspect of life, but there is almost always something we can do to prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally. If we choose not to, we experience feelings of helplessness, which in turn breeds fear, depression, low self-esteem . . . oh, and high blood pressure. Not very attractive perks in my opinion.

If acting out of panic is a reactive process then preparation and planning must be proactive. In my experience, I have seen time and time again that life rewards proactive people. The truth is, the world does not owe us anything. It's up to us to grab the reins and make something out of our lives. Each day, we have many opportunities to choose whether to be reactive or proactive.

Let me explain.

If we get stuck in traffic, stub our toe, fail a test, get scorned by our boss, lose our wallet or purse, break our sunglasses, or accidentally step in a deep puddle, we ultimately must decide how to handle the situation. Reactive people will find someone or something to blame so they don't have to take responsibility, while proactive people do what's necessary to rectify the situation.

It's difficult--if not impossible--to plan and act appropriately when we're in a state of panic. In fact, what usually happens is we respond with a knee-jerk reaction and say or do something we later regret. This creates more problems, more stress, and more pressure in our lives (who needs that!?). As a result, the cycle continues and we fail to recognize that we are actually perpetuating the process by making rushed, hasty, and rash decisions which do not reflect the actual ability we have to make intelligent, calculated choices.

We live in an incredibly fast paced society. Sometimes we just need to slow down to stop this reaction-cycle. We often forget that not every situation or challenge we face requires a light speed decision. Some do, but many don't. Despite common conditioning, we don't always have to react instantaneously. We often have more time then we think. Take a breath, clear your mind, and act with composure. Proactive people think before they act.

There is a simple five-step process that I have found works very well to ensure we're in the driver's seat of our life. You might want to make a copy for yourself and keep it in your wallet or tape it to your wall in front of your desk.

Step 1: Identify the actual problem/challenge. Panic causes our minds to distort the facts, but in order to effectively handle a situation we must first understand the reality of the situation. Seek the facts from an objective perspective. You may ask, "How would an onlooker view my situation?"

Step 2: Be clear about your objective and/or what you want to see happen. Our mind is always pulled toward our most dominant thoughts. So, know the outcome you want and focus on it.

Step 3: List your options. Before you hit the panic button, understand that there is always more than one way to handle a given situation. Reactive individuals fail to recognize this and believe that most situations they face are completely out of their control. This of course, generates the common disease known as "Victimitus." Instead, focus on what you can do--what is in your control. The more often you do this, the more options you will discover. This also allows us to take a much needed step back to gather our thoughts logically.

Step 4: Weigh your options. What are the consequences for each action available to you? You may want to list the positives and negatives for each alternative. This step can eliminate the confusing aspect of making the best decision.

Step 5: Analyzing will only get you so far. Eventually we must make a decision. And remember, making no decision is making a decision. Select an option and act with faith and expect things to work out. When we expect an outcome, we instantly increase our chances of making it happen.

Don't be a "reactor" in the equation of life. Be the catalyst that brings everything together to work in unison. Understand that you are in control of your life the moment you choose to be proactive. Stress is not the path to success. Panic is not an effective, long-term, or enjoyable strategy to build an extraordinary life. Before accepting panic as a innate default setting of your personality, think ahead, plan for what you can, and realize that much or our external sense of control begins internally.

Much success to you,

- Kent Healy

Next Steps:

Email this article to a friend (Please take a moment to think about someone who may benefit from this article)

Join our monthly newsletter to have the newest Success Strategies delivered directly to you

Post a comment in the box below and let me know your thoughts (scroll down)

Do you want to get the very latest--including inspirational quotes, life-tips, and interesting updates about Kent's crazy journies in the world of publsihing, school, and life in general? Then check out Kent on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Kent_Healy

Would you like to share your thoughts? Kent would love to hear from you: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it