We have all worried about money at certain points in our life. For a lot of people, it is a constant worry that plagues them daily. Due to worrying too much, these people become paralyze with fear, their judgments clouded as their minds cannot see beyond their worries.
Their emotions tend to be fragile and govern their actions which often lead to wrong decisions being made. Have you ever been or are you one of these people?
Are there ways to overcome money worries? Yes, actually there are ways or methods that you can practice in order to help you cope with your worries. Your money worries won’t disappear and your financial problems won’t get solve but you will learn how to stay on top of your worries.
1. Do a problem analysis
The first step is to gather all your facts or information first. It is easier to make a decision later once you have all the necessary facts. The second step is to analyze all the facts you have gathered. Next, make a decision and act on that decision. List down all the possible solutions or actions you can take to improve upon your situation.
2. Live in the present
Yesterday is gone, it is in the past. You cannot change the past. Tomorrow will come soon enough with its own troubles and worries. Therefore, concentrate on living in the present and in completing your work or tasks for the day.
3. Accept your situation
Living in denial will not solve your problems or worries. Accept your current situation and prepare to accept the worst-case scenario. There are some things (a lot actually) that are out of our human control. Accept the worst that can possibly happen and take action to improve on it.
We do what we can under the circumstances to improve our situation, not to make it worse. There is a wise English saying “Don’t cry over spilt milk,” which means what is gone is gone. Therefore, move on from the bad experience or situation.
4. Pray
No matter what religion you adhere to, praying helps to ease a person’s worries. When you feel like giving up, bring all your troubles to “God” and you will find peace again knowing you are not alone with your problems. There is another wise saying “When one door closes, another opens,” which means all is not lost as you will get a new opportunity to start over again.
5. Share your worries or problems
Sharing or talking to someone about your problems will help. Having someone understanding to listen to your worries and getting some sympathy or advice helps to release all your nervous tension. For those who are in an extreme condition usually visit a psychologist and what do they normally do? They talk and talk. Talking helps to get your worries off your chest and not bottled up like a volcano ready to explode.
Why is it important to control your worries? If it is not about work, it could be about your money, your health or your loved ones. Well, one good reason to control your worries is it could negatively affect your health. Whatever illness or bad health you suffer from such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, headaches, digestive-tract ulcers and arthritis may be due to excessive worrying. Therefore, knowing how to handle your worries especially relating to money may help prevent a serious health problem which then leads to a better quality of life.
Jacquelyn is the co-author of the books “Teaching Your Kids About Money” and “Top 93 Personal Finance FAQs in Malaysia” with KCLau. Jacquelyn is the pseudonym used by Amy Sipagal.
