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Planning Vs Worrying

Written by: Howard Miller

Article Overview: A story from STORIES OF SHIFT: How to Deal with Difficult Situations and Change Them to Positive Opportunities

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Planning Vs Worrying

Planning vs. Worrying

I was going on a retreat in Southern California. I decided I wanted to camp outside instead of staying in the dormitory style rooms. Also, since I was flying down I wanted to minimize what to bring on the plane with me.

I was going to my brothers the day before the retreat. I thought he had a tent but wanted to confirm this with him. After asking him I also inquired if I could borrow a couple of pillows.

His response was yes but also

You seem to be worrying about this a lot.

Button pushed.

I got pretty defensive and said

I’m not worried I’m planning.

His response

That’s something mom would say but you would say she was worrying.

Another button pushed.

Conversation over.

I wasn’t worrying I was planning so I could be organized.

But I started wondering about the difference between planning and worrying?

Actually in those moments I wasn’t wondering what the difference was I was worrying about what the difference was!

Which made me realize worrying was about being stuck in a moment, in a cycle with no out.

Planning was proactive and freeing.

Sure, too much planning could be confining and compulsive.

But when I planning instead of worrying:

• I’m attune to the present
• I’m not coming from fear but instead, looking for results
• I have the choice to worry about something else

So now I’ll plan on how I won’t let my brother push my buttons.

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  OVERCOMING STRESS

Home > Business-Coach > Howard Miller > Planning Vs Worrying
Article Tags: brother, dormitory style, fear, mom, pillows, southern california, style rooms, tent

About the Author: Howard Miller
RSS for Howard's articles - Visit Howard's website

 Howard Miller teaches management skills to new managers, seasoned managers, entrepreneurs and executives.  He is on the faculty of AMA (American Management Association) and teaches courses including Skills for New Managers, Increasing Managerial Effectiveness, and Successfully Managing People).  Topics include delegation and motivation methodologies, conflict, how to deal with difficult people, understanding values and behavior, feedback and listening skills.

Clients include mid-range to large companies such as the IRS, Blue Cross Blue Shield, IBM, state government, public school districts, and non profit organizations. Howard also does executive and business coaching with the Ken Blanchard organization.

Howard is the author of two book; You're Full of Shift, which contains short stories which demonstrate shifting difficult situations to opportunities and The Manager Trap:  13 ½ Pitfalls to Avoid which showcases common traps and pitfalls managers fall into including using a 4 letter word beginning with F that they should avoid!



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More from Howard Miller
What have I learned in 6 months of management Part 1
Dealing with Morons
Pretending to know the acronyms
Having your cake and eating it too
Managing techies


Related Forum Posts
Other Great Books... Other Great Books... - Feel The Fear And Do It AnyWay - Susan Jeffers How To Stop Worrying And Do It Anyway - Dale Carnegie ('What's the worst that could happen - the worst?' Then prepare yourself for that and reality is such a relief!).
Re: How do you make the most of your day? Re: How do you make the most of your day? - Planning, To Do lists, and deadlines all help me. Also being self critical of my own time management helps me raise the bar. I still check email too often though.
Re: Success Re: Success - I think it was Gary Player who said the harder I practice the luckier I become when it came to his success as a world class golfer. Planning and dedication to a task can make all the difference between success and failure. MichelleJ
Re: Quote of the Day - "If you hesitate, some bolder hand will s Re: Quote of the Day - "If you hesitate, some bolder hand will s - Excellent quote, Evan. This reminds me of the saying, "The early bird catches the worm." It's important to act on impulses, rather than hesitate and plan. Planning isn't a bad thing and is warranted in certain cases, but those who act quickly will get a step ahead of the competition.
Nice List Nice List - Nice list, and I agree with everything you all have added! Planning is the biggest one of all! Look at everything from every aspect possible, and then ask others to look at it as well. It's extremely important that you consider everything before jumping into things, and it goes so much smoother! Also, some young entrepreneurs tend to have an unrealistic mindset (I can sell 4000 of this product in my first week!). Make sure you know what you're getting into, and don't expect something that won't ever happen. ~Marie


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