4 Steps To Confronting Anxiety

Lately, I’ve been noticing how anxiety has been sneaking into my life.

This framework from Harvard Professor Arthur Brooks has helped shift my perspective:

Anxiety is just unfocused fear.

Fear is our mind’s way of protecting us. But when fear lacks a clear target, it can turn into anxiety, making everything around us seem threatening, even when it’s not.

Arthur Brooks offers a practical 4-step approach:

1/ Make a list of ten things that are freaking you out.

2/ Write down why it's causing you stress.

3/ Consider the worst-case scenario.

4/ Decide on one action you can take to address each concern.

This practice is incredibly effective.

Why?

Instead of being overwhelmed by emotions, you shift your focus to your prefrontal cortex, where you can see things more clearly.

But there’s more to it than just managing anxiety.

This framework supports our spiritual growth.

By examining our fears, we transition from reacting to our emotions to observing them. This helps us to shed old habits, making space for deeper truths to emerge.

When we're not in reaction, we can connect with our Higher Self - the part of us that is eternal and fearless. We start to make choices that reflect our true values rather than external pressures. With this alignment, we move through life with greater peace and connection.

This is the spiritual journey.

Contrary to popular belief - spiritual growth isn’t just meditating on a mountaintop.

It’s about using our everyday experiences, including our fears, as opportunities for greater awareness and growth. Each step brings us closer to living with peace, purpose, and unity with the world around us.

This is the kind of work I do with my clients - using practical frameworks to help align with your Higher Self. If you’re interested in learning more, DM me to see if we’re a good fit.