There was a boy in my college who was extremely talented, hardworking and focused. He used to accomplish things which people did not expect from him. But one problem was he used to get stressed a lot. He always felt tensed before interviews or any presentations. Like him, I saw many people in college, at work and in my whole life, who get tensed quite often. Another example is of a colleague who does whatever the boss says, even if its more work than what he is paid for. He does it in fear of loosing the existing job. It’s not like he can’t get another job. He can get it within few weeks. But he is also really tensed.
When someone in this state approaches me, I say my mantra –
What is the worst situation you can get into ? You loose your job, money and you have no food. But you are alive. That’s what matters.
You can start fresh, you can do some petty jobs or whatever and grow. Many people live on this planet who have defeated odds like fatal accidents, chronic diseases and gave rebirth to their lives. When compared to them, loosing a job or an interview is not a big deal. All they did was to believe in themselves and have hope. Another reason for their confidence might be that they lost so much in their life once that they are not afraid of loosing it again. So if we observe this carefully, we can find the secret.
The secret is to accept that you can go from billions to cents at any point of life, no matter how hard you try. So instead of trying to avoid the worst situation, try to empower yourself to face the worst situation. Build confidence inside you that somehow you will survive, no matter what odds you face.
Once you get this self-confidence, you won’t get tensed or scared ever in your life. In fact your life will be smoother and happier. It will now run by your rules.
Nice explanation.