Don’t Take Yourself Too Serious, It’s Not That Deep

Summary

• Sometimes we hit dead ends in life because we take ourselves too seriously. It's important to lighten up and not let anxiety take over.

• When I have anxious thoughts, I remind myself that they don’t define me. I don’t need to react to them or even agree with them.

• I might worry about failing or embarrassing myself in public, but I decide it’s not entirely my problem if it happens. People watching will handle their reactions, and I will move on with my day.

• It's helpful to make light of anxious thoughts rather than getting caught up in them. Treating them humorously can be a powerful coping strategy.

• Remember, thoughts are just thoughts. They can exist without controlling or defining who I am as a person.

Video

How To Take Action

I would suggest implementing a simple strategy when anxious thoughts start to creep in. Try to make light of them instead of letting them take over. Imagine them as tiny, silly creatures that don't have any power over you. This way, they won't seem so daunting.

A good way to practice this is by separating your identity from your thoughts. Remember that thoughts are just that—thoughts. They don't have to define who you are or direct your actions. When an anxious thought comes, acknowledge it, but don't let it control you.

If you're worried about public failure or embarrassment, remind yourself that other people's reactions are not your responsibility. Your main job is to keep moving forward and not dwell on what happened. Trust that you'll handle whatever comes your way.

Try to have a sense of humor about your anxious thoughts. Next time one pops up, see if you can laugh it off or picture it as a harmless cartoon character. This can be a fun and effective way to take their power away.

These strategies are low-cost because they only require a change in mindset, not money or lots of time. Practicing these mental shifts can help you navigate through anxiety more easily while staying true to yourself.