Worrying 101

Scott Belsky from The99Percent.com shares some tips from leadership guru, Stephen Covey on how to not let your concerns get the better of you.

Whenever I get frustrated with something, my stepfather always tells me to “just worry about the closest alligator to the boat.” Truer advice has never been spoken. Covey’s theory, similarly, is that there is a circle of influence around you: assess which concerns you have control over, and fix them!

Belsky takes Covey’s advice and applies it to designers:

“As creative people, our passion for our work makes it more difficult to worry selectively. Why? The more passionate you are, the more protective and perfection-driven you become. Any concern becomes exaggerated just based on your beautiful vision being obstructed. Regardless of whether or not you have influence, you will want to tackle every problem as it emerges.

This tendency is dangerous. Your energy becomes fractured as you start to obsess over details and situations that are beyond your control. Ultimately, your ideas and projects suffer.”

In my current job search, the last thing I want is for my energy to become fractured by runaway worry. By identifying what I can control, I will be ensuring that I can do whatever I can do to get myself noticed above other job applicants (the assessment). My resumes, cover letters, and personal brand will all be in order (the preparation). Finally, I have to remember that my drive, my abilities, and my talents yielded success at a previous employer- and that they’ll do the same for me at my new employer, too (the focus).

With the proper assessment, preparation, and focus, runaway concerns can be a thing of the past!