OTT Method for Controlling Worry and Overthinking

90% of our thoughts are actually negative and 70-80% of the thoughts you have are the same as yesterday. Wild right?!
 
I developed the OTT Method based on a positive psychology tool called Worry time.
 
Our brains have a negative bias as its number one function is to protect you, ensuring your survival. Worry happens when there is a threat to your safety or that of someone you care about. This may be physical safety or mental safety.
 
But have you ever noticed that many things you worry about don't actually come true?
 
Worry is a waste of energy as you are predicting scenarios in the future which are worst case, even though they haven't happened yet. Or you may be worrying about things you can't control.
 
Both are a waste of your energetic life force so it's time to understand what is causing them. Use the OTT Method I share in this video to document your worrys for 7 days and see if you can spot any patterns.
 
It's time to take back control
 

Homework

Use the OTT Method for 7-14 days.
 
Then use these 5 questions and journal at the end of each day
  • What was I most worried about today?
  • What’s really behind that worry?
  • What other way could I look at this?
  • What could I do that would make me less worried/anxious?
  • What empowering commitment am I making to myself now?
 
Examples of common worries for women in leadership and how to reframe them:
  • I am worried my team are overloaded -> I am doing my best with the resources I have and support them to the best of my ability and that is good enough
  • When children run I am worried they will fall and hurt themselves -> I do my best to keep them safe but I ultimately I cannot control everything
  • I am worried I'll look stupid if I speak up in that meeting tomorrow -> Nothing ever really happens when I speak up, in fact people listen.
  • I am worried I won't get this project over the line on time -> I will work to the best of my best ability and I can't work miracles
  • I am worried if I leave my job it will be a big mistake -> I will listen to my gut and do what feels right for me at this time.