Kick the Worry Habit

Under the definition of “ruminate” you will find references to cows chewing their cud. This action of chewing something, over and over, is necessary for the cow, in order to digest food. Another piece of the definition of “rumination” is for humans (at least as far as we know) and covers deep or considered thought about some subject. Depending upon the subject of the mental “chewing,” it can either help or hurt us.

When you ruminate, you are preoccupied with rehashing perceived or real problems, over and over again. You don’t really resolve anything, but you become an expert at working yourself into a state of high stress that can sometimes lead to a downward spiral. After a while, you find yourself worrying not about the original problem, but about all of the images you have created while chewing on the problem – and you may have ranged far afield from the original challenge.

Despite this vicious cycle, the human mind has a built-in potential for flexibility. Something inside whispers, “There must be a better way.” If you pay attention and look for insight, there is a good chance you will find what you need.

Remember, human beings think in pictures. We are drawn to what we are thinking about. So, if we continue to ruminate and worry over the negative, we will be drawn to the negative. The opposite is also true: ruminate on the positive, on the solutions – even if you don’t know what they are yet – and you will be drawn to discovering the solution you are looking for.

The ability to take charge of your thoughts is not something most of us learn in school. However, it is an essential skill if you want to kick the worry habit and accomplish worthwhile goals. You can learn to substitute images of solutions instead of endlessly ruminating about problems, and you can affirm your ability to deal effectively and calmly with all challenges instead of worrying about possible failure.

Does changing your thinking really affect the outcomes and results you get? Absolutely! It has been proven time and time again. Give it a try, and see what you come up with. Dump the worry, and goal-set for solutions.