Headlines 

• Managers have plenty to worry about
• Worry becomes a skill or a liability
• Worry breaks help you manage anxiety and stress 

Worries slip in and out of our stream of consciousness. 

• We're constantly triggered to worry 
• The triggers are largely subconscious 
• Once we start worrying, it's hard to stop (and sleep!) 😖

Worry is a part of the manager's/leader's job!

• You have to prioritize your worry
• Some worries are needless, but...
• ...Many worries should be acted upon 

How to take worry breaks 

1. Set aside time for worry breaks
2. As worrisome thoughts come to mind, acknowledge them...
3. ...but don't "worry" about them (yet) 
4. Tell yourself, "I'll worry about this later"

COACHING POINT: Use your notes app to capture the worry. This will help you track the worry. It's also a way of showing respect for and acknowledging the worry. 

Your worry break routine 

1. Make a list of your worries (or simply reference the "worry-notes" you've captured)
2. Prioritize your worries 
3. Think of each worry one at a time 
4. Listen for thinking traps 
5. Re-prioritize your worries 
6. Discount your needless worries 
7. Act on your most immediate threats 

 “Drag your thoughts away from your troubles… by the ears, by the heels, or any other way you can manage it.” — Mark Twain