Schedule Time to Worry

Over the weekend a few years back, I had an opportunity to accompany my sister to visit a friend of hers in the hospital -- initially, I must admit that I thought this was so unfair of her to ask me to go with her when we both knew that it would be hours of me just sitting there, waiting instead of working on my business.  Why couldn't I just drive her there and pick her back up? 

Obviously, she needed more than just that so I geared up for the hours of waiting I knew was ahead of me.... Unless I am giving birth or welcoming a new baby into the world, I DO NOT Like Visiting Hospitals! 

So, we loaded up with hot pretzels and cheese, water and mango candy (her favorite) and a book tucked into my tote and headed off to  Westchester Medical's Trauma Unit to visit my sister's friend.  I went in briefly to support her and then took my seat in the "family" waiting room, while she continued visiting with her friend.

For the next 3 hours I sat with no computer, no kids, no phones ringing off the hook, no interruptions. Sure,  I had my smart phone but somehow tweeting did not seem appropriate at that moment.  I reached into my tote and pulled out my book "It's About Time, Time Management Tips From the Software Recitalist" by Ellen DePasquale-- this would be a good time to polish off this book.  It was a gift from Ellen DePasquale,  a former breakout session presenter at our Annual Women's Summit. 

As I read through the practical and useful tips, I came to a paragraph titled, schedule time to worry, but no more than 10 minutes a day.  This was news to me! I had never heard (read) such a time-management tip before, but was pleasantly surprised that I welcomed the idea. I placed my book on my lap and took my 10 minutes to worry.  I worried about being able to fulfill all these BIG dreams I have of affecting a positive change in the lives of women in business like me who have ventured into the world of entrepreneurship and whether I was doing enough! Well, 10 minutes is a long time when you are DELIBERATELY taking those minutes to worry! I wanted to get to finding solutions to my self-imposed worry and I began making notes -- in my book. 


My Worry Solutions:

1.    I commit to writing a blog post once per week and sharing whatever I am feeling in that moment—this could be of help to women who are experiencing similar feelings or in need of some new information or whatever I am moved to blog about. 

2.    I will ask for help when needed and delegate more--this will broaden my reach and reduce stress

3.    I will list 5 things each week that I am proud of—my personal pat on the back journal—just for me (we can all find things we are proud of)

How are you worrying?  Share your comments with us or below.