Reducing Anxiety And Stress with Self Reliance
 
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Confidence can be increased by trusting in your ability to solve problems or complications that arise, and as they arise. Always remember that you can handle anything that happens - you have a strong mind. If you had the creativity to imagine the quantity of negative possibilities necessary to create anxiety, then your mind is also strong and capable of finding solutions to the problems that really do come along. Problem solving ability is like a muscle in your mind. Exercise those muscles on a daily basis, when they're needed, and you will become a more and more effective person. By being aware that you are able to cope with, fix, or improve any undesirable situation, you maintain a sense of control over your life and every event. That sense of control can prevent a situation from becoming a source of stress or trauma. There is always something you can do - you are never given more than you can handle. And it is by maintaining a sense of control over your life and situations that you gain emotional strength.

Repeat these thoughts with the feeling throughout your body (belief) that they are true for you now:

  • I have a powerful mind and am a strong problem solver.
  • I have the ability to find solutions to the problems that arise in my life.
  • I put energy into finding positive solutions.
  • I can always find a way to improve an undesirable circumstance.
  • Every time I solve a problem and improve my life, I become a stronger person.
  • Because I can find solutions to any problem, I no longer need to worry about them happening

The attitudes we just covered can help greatly with reducing the anxiety and stress caused by "what if" thinking. Know that you'd be able to handle whatever happens, and you won't have to worry about all the negative possibilities that could happen. Apply these attitudes to fears that are causing anxiety or limiting your personal growth. Of course, we're not talking about rational fears of realistically dangerous situations -- always use good judgment and make exceptions where your physical safety is concerned.

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