How To Conquer Over-Thinking & Avoid Assumptions That Wreak Emotional Havoc
Have you ever experienced that moment when you receive a message, a notification, or an email, and it abruptly cuts off, leaving you hanging? We've all been there, and the initial reaction of uncertainty and anxiety is all too familiar. But what if I told you that this instinctive response isn't always accurate? In today's blog, I want to share an example that challenges this notion and emphasizes the importance of getting out of our heads. As we enter the season of growth, opportunity, and success, it becomes crucial to break free from our mental constraints and fully embrace the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
A few days ago, on a sunny Friday, my day took an unexpected turn when I received a certified mail notification from our homeowners association (HOA). Instantly, a wave of uneasiness washed over me. After all, receiving certified mail from the HOA rarely signifies good news, right? Compounding the situation, it was Friday, which meant I had to wait until Monday to pick it up. Consequently, my mind raced with countless worst-case scenarios throughout the entire weekend. The anticipation was unnerving.
Monday arrived, and I couldn't rush to the post office fast enough. I even rescheduled a meeting to prioritize this seemingly urgent matter. But to my surprise, the contents of the letter turned out to be trivial, almost comical. It informed me that the HOA had voided the check I had submitted as a deposit when we built our pool. No major concerns or issues—just a neutral, inconsequential event. I couldn't help but feel frustrated by the amount of time and mental energy I had wasted on unnecessary worry. This experience reminded me of a valuable lesson: these situations happen to all of us, even those who actively practice and coach on the art of open-mindedness.
It's crucial to break free from the limitations of our own minds when faced with such situations. What I forgot in that moment was that there are infinite possibilities, including neutral outcomes that we often overlook. Instead, we tend to consider extreme scenarios, either the best or worst case. The truth is, we must acknowledge the middle ground—the possibility that lies in between. Today, I encourage you to adopt an open-minded perspective when confronted with similar situations. Take the phrase "we need to talk," for instance. Most of us associate it with negative experiences based on past encounters with bosses or superiors. However, being open-minded allows us to see beyond the words and the associated connotations. It enables us to consider the full range of possibilities—a conversation to check-in, a potential raise, or any number of outcomes.
As you navigate your week, month, and the rest of this year, I implore you to approach every situation with an open mind. Doing so eliminates the blinders of fear and allows for interpretation and the discovery of new opportunities. It's important to remember that not every outcome will be positive, negative, or neutral, but being open-minded grants you the chance to perceive possibilities you may have otherwise missed. By avoiding preconceived notions, you save yourself time and energy, enabling you to be more productive in other aspects of life. So, rather than dwelling on a single interpretation, remain open to the multitude of possibilities that await you.
The story I shared serves as a valuable lesson for all of us. It demonstrates that even individuals who regularly practice open-mindedness can stumble in the face of uncertainty. However, by acknowledging that there are endless possibilities, we can learn to be adaptable and embrace each situation as it unfolds, without prematurely interpreting its significance