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CTL-VII-0014

“I keep catastrophizing and imagining the worst outcomes.”

CTL · Pillar III — Control CTL-VII · Own Only What Is Yours

The worst-case scenario lives in your imagination — not in front of you. Catastrophizing is the mind trying to control what it can't. Return to what is actually happening right now and what you can actually do about it.

Your Practice

Write down the worst case you're imagining. Then ask: what is the actual probability of this? What would I do if it happened? Usually the honest answers reduce the fear significantly. Then return to what today actually requires of you.

The Architects

“Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.”

— Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

More under CTL-VII

CTL-VII-0001“I'm obsessing over something I can't control.”CTL-VII-0002“My anxiety is through the roof and I can't shut my brain off.”CTL-VII-0003“I stopped worrying about what people think and I feel lighter.”CTL-VII-0004“I let go of something I couldn't control and found peace.”CTL-VII-0005“I finally accepted that not everything is my responsibility.”CTL-VII-0006“Someone I trusted let me down badly.”
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