Eliminate the Word Worry from your Vocabulary

“Worry pretends to be necessary but serves no useful purpose.” – Eckhart Tolle

If someone asked you, “Do you think worrying will change your situation?” you would probably say, “No.” So why keep doing it? Worry never changes anything.

Start noticing how often you or others use the phrase, “I’m worried.” Each time you hear it, remind yourself that it is a useless statement. When we realize the futility of worry, we may finally stop repeating it. That is why it’s important to eliminate the word worry from your vocabulary.

People often say things like:

• I’m worried about my children.

• I’m worried about layoffs at work.

• I’m worried about the economy.

• I’m worried about retirement.

• I’m worried about gaining weight.

• I’m worried about getting older.

But worry is not action. Instead of worrying about your children, spend more quality time with them. Instead of worrying about weight, eat well and exercise. Defeat worry by taking action. And if it’s something outside of your control — like the economy — stop dwelling on it and focus on what you can influence.

Worry immobilizes us. It keeps us stuck instead of moving forward. It steals our peace, robs us of joy, and even makes us age faster. Some people believe they are “obligated” to worry, saying things like, “I can’t help it, I’m just a worrier.” But the truth is, we can help it. We always have the power to choose our thoughts and our words.

Instead of saying, “I’m worried,” replace it with affirmations such as:

• I can handle any problem or situation in my life.

• I have faith that situations are working for me, not against me.

• Where there is a will, there is always a way.

Make it a goal to eliminate the word worry from your vocabulary and replace it with empowering words that create peace and joy. To make this practical, write down 5–10 positive statements you can say to yourself whenever challenges arise.

*This blog post is an excerpt from the book, Change your Words, Change your Life: Understanding the Power of Every Word you Speak by Joyce Meyer. 

Contact Me

If you would like to schedule therapy or coaching sessions with me, Dr. Christine E. Dickson, licensed clinical psychologist to help improve your ability to manage worry, please email me through my website.