The Power of Pausing: How to Avoid Anxiety Traps and Enter the Growth Zone

Here's a real-life example from my own personal experience today!

I was rushing to get a project into the mail before the weekend. Every moment seemed to count. But as the morning was ending I knew I would prevail and experience that wonderful feeling of putting the completed project into the mail box by noon! Here's where it gets interesting.

As I rushed to the post office, I was planning how I would fit a desperately needed "work-out" in before some important afternoon meetings. As I approached the gym, I caught myself in one of my routine "anxiety traps." 

I stopped -- PAUSED -- and thought through my choices.

Deep down I realized that while the workout would add one more accomplishment to the day -- I really didn't have the time to do it in a satisfactory way. It would feel rushed. I would feel rushed. In reality, it would put me into the ANXIETY zone for the rest of my day!

I PAUSED again.

What do I really want to do?

I really want to come into the afternoon meetings fully prepared and centered.

So, I skipped the workout -- and entered the GROWTH zone.

I took time for brief but nourishing lunch, a short walk, and 20 minutes of uninterrupted focus on preparing for the afternoon. 

It felt great.

I felt great.