Image by richardmasoner via FlickrYesterday when driving to work I got a perfect example of why worrying about what could be or what may happen is useless and can cause more harm than good.

I’m driving down the highway, a couple of cars behind someone I know when coming upon an exit, the traffic is slowing down dramatically.

I immediately went into stress mode and thought:
• What if there is an accident and traffic is slow all the way to the next exit?
• Will it be easier to get off at this exit and take a different route?
• Which of the ways will be faster?
• But if it’s barely slowing down now and speeds back up, it’s all for nothing.

All valid concerns…when you’re in the midst of stress thinking.

So I let the stress cloud my better judgment and decided to get off and go up the outer road. As I started up the outer road, I noticed the traffic on the highway was starting to speed up. Shortly thereafter, I noticed it at full speed.

And then it happened.

The line of traffic.

Waiting for the stoplight to get back on the highway!

Because of my stress level, I didn’t consider the consequences.

22 minutes after I stopped in the line of traffic, I got back on the highway again.

My friend who was in front of me was already at work.

And I was late.

How many times have you let the stress of what might be cloud your better judgment?

Consider the Alternative

Instead of allowing yourself to think stressful thoughts about all of the things that could go wrong, just stick to your plan and realize that your journey may slow from time to time. But letting the ego take over and direct you in a different direction may just slow you down more than if you just stuck to your path.

There have been so many times in my life where I tried to take the easy path. The “get around.” The “quick fix.” And lo and behold, it was those very times I ended up either in trouble (a common occurrence growing up,) with an unfavorable outcome (usually unexpected and definitely not wanted) or just barely sneaky by.

You know, that feeling of “Wow, I just barely got by with that.” And that’s a short lived feeling that gnaws at you later because you know it wasn’t right. (voice of experience talking)

Sticking to Your Path

It’s not always easy.

You may temporarily slow down.

And you WILL be tempted to find a shorter, easier route.

But, trust me, the person unnecessarily sitting in traffic for an extra 22 minutes, it’s not worth it.

Just dig in and keep moving forward — slow as it sometimes may be.

Another Consideration

You WILL veer off on the wrong path.

It’s inevitable.

We ALL do from time to time.

When that does happen, first off, forgive yourself. Don’t be your own worst critic. Don’t beat yourself up for making the wrong choice. Forgive yourself, learn from it and move on.

Did you catch the “learn from it” part?

One thing I’ve learned to do is not let things get to me like they used to. A couple of weeks when I saw flashing lights behind me I didn’t stress. I didn’t know what I had done wrong and knew I wasn’t speeding. I just knew that I didn’t stress over it. My plates had expired during the move and I didn’t realize it. The renewal must have not been forwarded with my other mail.

I realized the officer was doing his job. I was thankful he was nice about it (as he wrote my ticket - which I realized I deserve because it did break the law.) He even followed me home to make sure I got home ok.

My point is this:

Years ago, I would have been totally freaking out, trying to get out of the ticket and dwelling on it long after it was over.

I’m growing.

I’m learning.

I’m grateful.

And I’m happy.

Life is good if you just let it be and don’t sweat the small stuff.