Anxiety loves to show you the worst-case scenario.
When you start feeling anxious, it’s like a relentless voice telling you ALL the ways things could go wrong:
— You think, “If I don’t land this job, everything will fall apart.” — Or, “If this project doesn’t go well, my entire career’s at risk.” — Even, “If I don’t impress, I’m just not good enough.”
Early in my soft skills career, after a slow month, I’d think:
“What if things never improve?” “What if I’m not meant for this?” “What if I fail and disappoint everyone?” “What if I’m just not good enough?”
But those thoughts weren’t real—things did get better over time.
And here I am, 24 years in—still going strong, because I knew I was capable of more.
In reality – it doesn’t just present outcomes; it distorts them. And the more you listen, the more real these fears feel.
In my experience, one truth stands out: Anxiety’s worst-case scenarios are rarely true, and more often than not, they just hold you back.
So before you let it take the driver’s seat, try this:
— Catch those catastrophic thoughts for what they are—thoughts, not facts. — Ask yourself, “What would I tell a friend feeling this way?” The answer is usually kinder than what you’d tell yourself. — Focus on actions you can control, not outcomes you can’t. — Remind yourself of your past successes—they’re proof that you’re capable.
No matter how loud it gets, it doesn’t have to shape your reality. You can move forward, even with uncertainty in the passenger seat.
And remember, anxiety may always show up uninvited, but it doesn’t have the final say.
Stay strong, my friend. You’ve got this. Keep pushing forward.
When you start feeling anxious, it’s like a relentless voice telling you ALL the ways things could go wrong:
— You think, “If I don’t land this job, everything will fall apart.”
— Or, “If this project doesn’t go well, my entire career’s at risk.”
— Even, “If I don’t impress, I’m just not good enough.”
Early in my soft skills career, after a slow month, I’d think:
“What if things never improve?”
“What if I’m not meant for this?”
“What if I fail and disappoint everyone?”
“What if I’m just not good enough?”
But those thoughts weren’t real—things did get better over time.
And here I am, 24 years in—still going strong, because I knew I was capable of more.
In reality – it doesn’t just present outcomes; it distorts them. And the more you listen, the more real these fears feel.
In my experience, one truth stands out: Anxiety’s worst-case scenarios are rarely true, and more often than not, they just hold you back.
So before you let it take the driver’s seat, try this:
— Catch those catastrophic thoughts for what they are—thoughts, not facts.
— Ask yourself, “What would I tell a friend feeling this way?” The answer is usually kinder than what you’d tell yourself.
— Focus on actions you can control, not outcomes you can’t.
— Remind yourself of your past successes—they’re proof that you’re capable.
No matter how loud it gets, it doesn’t have to shape your reality.
You can move forward, even with uncertainty in the passenger seat.
And remember, anxiety may always show up uninvited, but it doesn’t have the final say.
Stay strong, my friend. You’ve got this. Keep pushing forward.
I am rooting for you!