8 years ago i gave a frequent keynote speech on future trends that entrepreneurs needed to know about.
The trends included demographics and the growing control of wealth by older people, the increasing influence of technology and social media on our lives, the rise of China as a world power and the forthcoming impact of climate change.
But there was one future trend that I was aware of but chose not to speak about and that was the forecast for a huge increase in personal anxiety.
And all this was well before Brexit.
I wrote earlier this year that few of us are in a position to influence global or UK events. That creates anxiety for some who feel helpless. Nevertheless, we can choose to try not to engage with anxiety.
The media plays on our fears because bad news sells papers and gains listeners and viewers more effectively than good news. Viewing and listening figures are key decision-makers in the media industry. There is plenty of good news on this planet at present but it is drowned out by the current societal upheaval and the worries about the impact of climate change. And this week, as I write, the news is focusing on the chaos of Brexit.
2019 is just a moment in centuries. We are the first generation to be living with such an overflow of news and opinions – from media sources and friends alike. We are not managing these influences well but future generations will learn how to do it better. We are the guinea-pigs.
Become aware of when you are beginning to feel anxious and plan diversions. Turn off the news when it comes on. Enjoy your hundreds of television and radio entertainment options. Watch comedians and comedies. Download those books at affordable prices which you have always wanted to read. Go to yoga or the gym to get your endorphins going or do something creative such as painting or writing. Take a walk and enjoy the natural world. Spend time with people whose energy makes you feel good and keep away from those people who drain your energy. Find your own preferred escapist diversions and set aside time to indulge them in your diary
These are not easy times but we can choose to try to manage our fears and our anxieties better. We have lived through Y2K and we have lived through 9/11 and there will be more shocks to come. But take a moment and focus on the good things, the things you are truly grateful for. Keep those foremost in your mind. When worrisome thoughts come up, say to yourself – ‘Cancel that thought – it may not be true and it may not happen’ (or any words that work for you).
Living with uncertainty is never easy but we all have the choice of what to think in any given situation. Positive thoughts will make your day go much more easily.