Anxiety, doubt, and fear often stop us in our tracks.
I know this all too well, given that my natural disposition is anxiety and nervousness.
Are Some People Hardwired for Anxiety?
And, while I don’t like labels such as “I’m an anxious person”, which creates a negative feedback loop and identity that shapes our lives, I do think some people are “hardwired” to be more anxious than others. Some of it is probably genetic, while other parts are formed through our life experiences.
Having done my fair bit of self-inquiry, I’ve come to realise that I fall into this camp!
I’ve also realised that this doesn’t mean it is or has to be a negative. Every trait and characteristic has its positives and negatives, and it’s all about our perspective and how we use our traits to either help or hinder us.
Why Self-Awareness Matters with Anxiety
Self-awareness is hugely important in this game.
For example, let’s take my experience of anxiety…
When I feel overly anxious, my mind starts to run wild. I start to think of all the things I need to do, all of the potential outcomes, and how they might not turn out the way I want, and I start to question if I’m capable of achieving what I want to achieve and doing the things I want to do!
I start to question my worth, which subsequently brings up a spiral of negative emotions, and before I know it, I’ve been sucked into this negative spiral.
However, when I’m able to deploy self-awareness and realise, “uh-oh, the negative spiral is approaching,” I’m able to stop it from happening before it commences.
Action Is the Antidote to Anxiety
It’s here where I’ve learned that action is the antidote to anxiety, nervousness, doubt, and most, if not all, of our fears.
Action is what breaks the cycle and helps to cultivate clarity.
It would seem not.
It would seem that we need clarity to act so we know what action to take.
And that’s true in some instances…
The famous quote by Lao Tzu sums it up best…
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
That’s all we need. To know the next step.
And, in my recent experience, the more I focus on and just take the next step, take an action no matter how small, the more I realise that it’s indeed the antidote to anxiety, doubt, and fear!
You may be thinking, but what if the actions don’t lead to the outcomes I want…
I used to think the same. Sometimes, I still notice those thoughts come up.
But then I realised that this is where we learn and grow.
The Learn and Grow Feedback Model
And it’s what led me to create the ‘learn and grow feedback model’, which states that every action we take has an outcome. This outcome has valuable information that we can use to learn and grow.
So if we take an action that doesn’t lead to the outcome we want or envision, it could give us valuable information about what we need to change to get the result we desire, and therefore, through this process, we get to learn and grow, which I think is part of what life is all about!
I understand that it’s often harder said than done, and that’s because we’re talking about behavioural change, which is hard.
But through the practice of conscious living and self-awareness, it’s totally possible.
One Small Action to Break the Spiral
So, if you are someone like me who has a natural disposition towards anxiety and nervousness, or maybe doubt and fear, the next time you start to feel it emerging, stop, take a deep breath, and take one action, no matter how small, in the direction that you want to go before the negative spiral commences!
This has helped me massively. I’d recommend that you try it!
Key Takeaways on The Antidote to Anxiety
- Recognise Your Disposition: You might have a natural tendency to anxiety, but self-awareness allows you to see this not as a fixed identity but as a trait you can manage.
- Interrupt the Negative Spiral: Anxiety often triggers a cycle of overthinking, self-doubt, and fear. By becoming aware of when this spiral starts, you can stop it before it gains momentum.
- Action is the Antidote: The most effective way to combat feelings of anxiety, doubt, and fear is to take action. You don’t need a grand plan, just a single, small step in the right direction.
- Embrace the Learning Process: Don’t fear taking the ‘wrong’ action. Every outcome provides valuable feedback that you can use to learn and grow, helping you adjust your approach for the future.
FAQs for The Antidote to Anxiety
What is the main message about overcoming anxiety?
The core idea is that action is the antidote to anxiety. Instead of waiting for clarity or for the fear to subside, taking one small, manageable step forward can break the cycle of negative thoughts and build momentum.
How does self-awareness help with anxiety?
Self-awareness is your first line of defence. It allows you to recognise when the feelings of anxiety and the associated ‘negative spiral’ of thoughts are beginning. This recognition gives you the value to pause and choose a different response, like taking a small action, instead of getting pulled in.
What if my actions don’t lead to the results I want?
This is an opportunity to learn and grow. The article presents a ‘learn and grow feedback model’, which suggests that every outcome, whether expected or not, contains valuable information. You can use this information to refine your approach and make better decisions next time.
Do I need to have a complete plan before I act?
No, you don’t. The article emphasises that you only need to know the very next step. Focusing on taking that single action is enough to combat the paralysis that anxiety can cause. It’s about progress, not perfection.
