Punching Worry in the Face – Day 2

Punching worry in the face!

Punching Worry in the Face – Day 2

Okay… we’re on a mission.

It’s a mission to “punch worry in the face” and beat it out of our lives over the next 30 days. Punching Worry in the Face-Day 2.

Okay… we’re on a mission.

It’s a mission to “punch worry in the face” and beat it out of our lives over the next 30 days.

You in?

On day 1, we offered a podcast on this very subject to kick things off.  Click here to listen in.

If you haven’t listened to it… I HIGHLY suggest that you do.

It will give you a specific strategy to get you started.

Plus, it helps to set up today’s activity.

In the podcast, I talk about our “3 Buckets” approach to filtering worry.  Mitch Matthews' 3 Buckets

It’s a simple concept that we can use to help filter those things that can tempt us to worry.  (Again, if you haven’t listened to to the podcast… do.  I think you’ll dig it.)

So… before we move on to the next “worry-busting” strategy… I want to give you a few days to think about the “3 Buckets” and apply them to your world.

Today I want to offer you a “3-minute journal” question*.

(This is a question you can journal for 3 minutes.  NOTE: You can write your response to the question in a nice leather bound journal, or on the back of an envelope or on that random sheet of paper that’s on your desk to remind you of something but you can’t really remember what it was for… but you can’t bring yourself to throw it away yet.  Yeah… use any of those.)

Based on the “3 Buckets,” what are a few things you want to be intentional about “controlling” today?

___________________________________

___________________________________

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Really.

Think about it.

Write a few things down.

Admittedly, there are days I wish I could write down:

  • The weather
  • Traffic
  • My airplane’s arrival time
  • My co-worker
  • My neighbor’s dog

But… we can’t really control these things.  Can we?

Nope.

Even though we can’t write down things that are out of our control… this is still an important list.  Isn’t it?

What could go on your list today?  (Seriously… take out that sheet of paper and get to writing.)

Since I’m doing this with you… I’ll share my “control” list for today:

  • My attitude (I’m a pretty happy guy, but I can still get freakishly grumpy too!  It’s a choice to be happy.)
  • My focus (at least for a 2-hour window when I really get to focus on my creative stuff)
  • Being SUPER intentional about being present at the dinner table tonight with family
  • Sending off 3 important proposals to clients (I have to “let go” of the results)

Those are the things on my own “Control” list today.

How about you?

Write a few down… and then… if you’re joining us for the “30 Days to Punch Worry in the Face,” comment below.

Let us know at least one thing you’re going to be intentional about controlling today.  As you do, that will help you to draw a line in the sand for something you’re going to “control” today.  And it will inspire others to take the challenge too.

Let’s do this!

#DREAMTHINKDO

See you tomorrow. 🙂

* NOTE: I call this a “3 minute journal” activity, because I only want you to spend a couple of minutes on it.  I just wanted to be clear here… so that I didn’t confuse this activity with the freakishly awesome “5 Minute Journal.”  (Yeah… that would almost be like launching the “6 Minute Abs” DVD after the mega success of the “7 Minute Abs” DVD… right?)  If you haven’t checked out this great tool… I highly suggest you do.  I love it.

8 Comments
  • Mitch Matthews
    Posted at 17:41h, 23 January Reply

    Jennifer… I hear you. I’ve got some ninja-level worrying in my family line too. So I come by it honestly. BUT I’m with you… we can overcome it. Glad you’re “IN” for the 30 days! Let’s do this!

  • Jennifer
    Posted at 17:33h, 23 January Reply

    Just listened to Punch Worry In The Face. OMG. Every member of my extended family needs to listen to this. I believe the tendency to worry – as well as to experience general anxiety – is somewhat influenced by genetics and personality. I am the progeny of two worriers. They, themselves, come from a LONG long line of worriers. In fact, I can guess that a tendency toward worrying and being anxious are probably inherent traits. of almost every person to whom I am related. But now, it’s time to put a stop to this madness. STOPPING THE WORRY is something I have been consciously working on for a long time, with varying degrees of success. When I AM successful, It makes it clear to me that we are ALL capable of re-wiring our thinking, regardless of the genetic hand we were dealt. Thanks for addressing this very important issue!

  • Jennifer
    Posted at 17:46h, 23 January Reply

    Oh and P.S., today I am sick in bed with a rotten sinus infection and aching all over. Instead of obsessing over what I can’t get done today, or what I should be doing today, I am going to CONTROL: 1) my use of time for productive yet enjoyable things I have the energy to do, i.e. listening to podcasts, composing drafts for upcoming blog posts, or starting to read a new book. 2) My attitude about being sick. I can control my stupid and self defeating wondering about, “Why did I get sick? Is my immune system breaking down? Should I be concerned about this? Am I actually dying?” and 3) What I eat and drink. I am typically not good about pushing fluids. Today I will be.

  • Devin Hacker
    Posted at 05:36h, 24 January Reply

    Soooo proud of you Mitch. You never cease to inspire 🙂 Today I controlled my attitude about being sick. Although I just wanted to come home and crash for the day, I chose to have CONTROL. I took a lovely nap instead, which allowed me a nice reboot so that I could watch an awesome movie I’ve been dying to see and catch up on 3 fabulous podcasts by one of my favorite mentrs (wink wink) Looking forward to the next month!

    • Mitch Matthews
      Posted at 14:17h, 24 January Reply

      Way to go Devin!!! Proud of you TOO! Thanks for the kind words and for walking this 30 days out! You rock.

  • Sara Anderson
    Posted at 14:03h, 24 January Reply

    Living in the “here and now”. Presence and availability in the relationships I am called to and letting go of those I am not (and letting go of the reactions that come with this decision).

    • Mitch Matthews
      Posted at 14:18h, 24 January Reply

      Nice work Sara! Way to jump in with both feet!

  • Yobeth Puckett
    Posted at 17:40h, 25 January Reply

    Great job Mitch! I just listened to the first podcast, it was top notch. I just started working on “not listening to every thing I tell myself”. I put together 7 or 8 verses I can counter those negative thoughts with to keep moving. Now I’m looking forward to walking it out with you.

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