Here’s a simple fact of life that many of us forget – worrying doesn’t change anything. It does no good to sit and worry or to be consumed by endless worry that you will be affected by challenges. This isn’t always easy, especially for some personality types.

Coping with difficulties will raise worries about how the future will be different or even about how you will survive on a fixed income when the price of everything is rising. There are things you can do about any situation. And that’s where you need to focus. Action alleviates worry.

Instead of worrying, try planning actions to change your situation. Learn to adapt to changing situations. Fortunately baby boomers and their parents are the most adaptable of all generations currently living. We can figure out how to make changes and adapt to new challenges. But we must remember that worry breeds anxiety and fear and panic. Panic reaches out for the most obvious solution. Unfortunately, the most obvious solution might not be the best.

To cope successfully with difficult situations and challenges, I suggest the following:

1. Force yourself to think creatively about how you can deal with the situation.

2. Try to think of solutions that will help you in the long term and not just the moment.

3. Look for ways to cooperate with others to find mutually beneficial solutions to problems.

4. Devise an action plan that will have long-term effects.

5. Keep moving forward with action to change your situation.

6. Congratulate yourself for every change or adaptation and every successful accomplishment.

This entry was created on Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 at 10:53 am.
Add a comment.