Knowing how to deal with sudden life changes can be scary and confusing.
While you want to stay strong and figure out the best way forward, you may experience feelings of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future.
It’s normal to feel out of control when the unexpected happens.
However, you can get back on your feet faster if you focus on finding practical solutions rather than worrying endlessly about all the things that are going wrong in your life.
The law of attraction states that you will attract whatever you consistently focus on whether it’s negative or positive, so it’s best to not dwell on unhappy thoughts for too long.
One of the best ways to deal with unforeseen circumstances in life is to pivot and try something new.
In this article, you’ll find valuable tips on how to stop worrying about things you can’t control and what to do when the unexpected happens.
HOW TO STOP WORRYING ABOUT THINGS YOU CAN’T CONTROL
Most people like to be in control of their lives because it gives them a sense of stability and peace of mind.
However, bad things happen and it’s wise to learn to go with the flow during tough times.
If you’re struggling to let go and allow events to unfold naturally in your life, here are 10 great tips on how to stop worrying about things you can’t change:
1. Let go of perfectionism
When people worry about the outcome of a situation, it’s often because they expect things to go their way.
Unfortunately, you can’t always predict the future and should be ready to accept whatever comes your way in good faith.
Sometimes, when bad things happen, it’s because you’re been protected from a much worse event or something better is coming to replace what you’ve lost.
To eliminate worry and anxiety in your life, you need to stop expecting perfect results all the time.
This doesn’t mean you should think negatively but it’s a good idea to release any high expectations you have to avoid disappointment.
A good way to let go of perfectionism is to stop overanalyzing every situation in your life and trying to fix them.
Some things are best left untouched.
It’s important that you know when to get into action and change a situation as well as when to detach from them and let things unfold naturally.
Instead of striving for perfection, work on improving your life and becoming a better version of yourself.
2. Know that change is a normal part of life
You may have heard that the only constant thing in life is change and it’s true.
No human being can accurately predict the events of the future and no matter how prepared you are, something will still take you by surprise.
According to Greek Stoic philosopher Epictetus, “Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle. Some things are within your control. And some things are not.”
If you want to thrive in the world and come out victorious during hard times, learn to accept the ebbs and flows of life because they are inevitable.
There’s absolutely nothing you can do to ensure a smooth and perfect life.
The best thing you can do is to acknowledge that change is a natural part of life and be ready to adapt whenever necessary.
3. Remember that progress is better than perfection
It can be difficult to see significant improvements in your life when your world is falling apart, but that doesn’t mean things are not working out.
One of the most effective ways to stop worrying about things you can’t control is to accept that any progress is better than nothing at all.
When you struggle to see the good amidst the chaos, remind yourself that everything is as it should be and you’re in the right place.
Sometimes, things have to get worse before they get better, so hang in there and believe you’ll come out stronger.
4. Practice being patient during challenging times
One major thing that can really help you to cope with change is patience.
When things don’t go as planned in your life, remember that patience is a virtue, and try to emotionally detach from the situation.
This way, you’ll be able to think more rationally and find a workable solution for your problems.
Without patience, you’ll feel torn in different directions and have no idea what to do to get back on track.
However, when you actually slow down and take your time to reflect on the possible scenarios/outcomes, you’ll find a solution much faster.
While it’s tempting to swing into action immediately and try to fix what’s going wrong in life, take a step back and contemplate your next move carefully.
When you practice being patient during tough times, you’ll avoid making terrible mistakes and can achieve better results.
5. Learn to be more open-minded and embrace changes
Being close-minded can make you resistant to change and prevent you from growing in life.
To bounce back from any setback, try to embrace challenges with courage and determination instead of fearing them.
You can only grow when you’re willing to leave your comfort zone and explore new possibilities.
So when you feel like running away from all your problems and hiding in the dark forever, stay strong and be willing to test new waters.
6. Be receptive to new opportunities
Many people don’t like change and they are even more reluctant to try new things because they are familiar with the old.
However, to be able to transition easily when things don’t go as planned, you need to learn to embrace new beginnings and fresh opportunities that come into your life.
Even if something doesn’t look like what you would normally do, give it a try and see if you can commit to it long-term.
While it’s unnerving to have to deal with sudden change, it can turn out to be a blessing in disguise in the long run, so don’t be afraid to walk into a new door when an old one closes.
By staying open and being willing to explore new ideas, you can come across an opportunity that will change your life forever.
7. Be grateful for the things you can control
When everything seems to be spiraling out of control and you find yourself thinking a million thoughts every day, take a deep breath and try to redirect your attention to the things that are giving you joy.
For instance, if you have water running in your house, a warm bed to sleep in at night, and can afford to eat two healthy meals each day, thank God for these little blessings.
Many people don’t get their basic needs met on a regular basis and they’re barely surviving in the world.
Now, I don’t mean to undermine your own suffering or dismiss your negative experiences.
However, studies have shown that practicing gratitude daily can help to increase happiness, improve mental health, and boost overall well-being.
Former Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius also said, “If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.”
The truth is, the only thing you can control is your mind and if you can master your thoughts, you’ll be able to manifest a deeply satisfying life.
While you don’t need to engage in toxic positivity and pretend everything is okay, try to focus on what you can control in your life and be grateful for the things you have.
8. Have some plans in place for unexpected surprises
Do you constantly worry about things going wrong in your life?
The most empowering thing you can do to stop overthinking is to proactively plan for your future.
Since you can’t be too certain of how things will turn out, it’s wise to not put all your eggs in one basket.
This means getting insurance, saving up enough funds, and having a set of skills that can come in handy.
One of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin, rightly said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”
Having a contingency plan can help you feel more in control and better prepared in the face of emergencies.
Don’t wait until bad things happen before you swing into action; plan ahead and be ready for any surprises down the road.
9. Focus on gaining new knowledge and upgrading your skills
Another way to stop worrying about things you can’t change is to carefully consider your prospects and take action in the right direction.
When you feel out of control in your life, it’s often the best time to educate yourself on areas that need an upgrade, so you can be prepared for sudden changes in the future.
According to American entrepreneur and motivational speaker Jim Rohn, “Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.”
So if you recently lost your job and feel uncertain about the future, try to acquire new knowledge and skills that can put you in a better position in your career instead of worrying about the past.
You can increase your employability by enrolling in short online courses, volunteering at a company you love, learning a new language, or starting a small business in a profitable niche.
You can also apply for internships, attend webinars/workshops, and get a university degree to augment your value.
When you obtain new skills in a particular field, you’ll be better equipped to tackle future challenges that may arise in that area.
10. Work with a coach or mentor to help you deal with life changes
It can be difficult to find your way out of a rut if you don’t have the necessary skills required to bounce back from a setback.
You may find yourself running around in circles and not seeing any significant progress in your life.
In such a case, hiring a mentor or coach to guide you to the right path can be totally rewarding.
One-on-one coaching can help you discover your strengths, clarify your personal goals, and identify growth opportunities.
If you’re stuck in a vicious cycle and can’t see a way forward, consider seeking professional help to aid you in figuring out your next move.
Conclusion
Do you constantly worry about things you can’t control? You’re not alone.
Many people are afraid of change and prefer to be in control of every situation in their lives.
However, life would be boring without changes, so don’t be troubled when things turn out differently than you planned.
Try to focus on the things you can control but don’t engage in toxic positivity.
Instead of suppressing your negative thoughts and pretending that all is well, set aside time every day for reflection and introspection.
Once the allotted time is over, avoid dwelling on all the things that are going wrong in your life and work on finding possible solutions to your problems.
If you experience difficulty in accepting change, work with a certified life coach to get the right support and tools you need to make your transition easier.
I also recommend you read Calm the F*ck Down by Sarah Knight to help you learn how to control what you can and accept what you can’t, so you can stop freaking out and get on with your life.
Whether you’re stressed about something that hasn’t happened yet or freaked out about past events, the NoWorries method from bestselling author Sarah Knight will help you curb the anxiety and overthinking that’s making everything worse.
Recommended Reading:
How To Stay Positive During Hard Times
21 Bad Habits To Break If You Want To Be Happy
How To Overcome Challenges In Life
About The Author
Jennifer Dagi
Jennifer Dagi is happily married to her best friend and the love of her life.
As a relationship coach, she is passionate about helping couples build healthy and happy relationships.
She strongly believes communication and intimacy are the most important ingredients for building a successful relationship.
Join her on a fabulous journey to improve your love life one step at a time and don't forget to subscribe for weekly blog updates.