Are you planning or mitigating worry?
iStock
I'm a planner and a strategist by nature. If I'm honest, a lot of my so-called planning is a reaction to worry.
Worrying is what I do when I don't have control. Worry is frantic energy that showcases my desire to control all my circumstances and freak out when I can't.
Plan instead of worry
Worry is not the same thing as using my God-given gifts for strategy and planning. When we plan rather than worry, we choose to partner with God. We recognize that God desires to work through us. He wants to steward the gifts, talents, experiences, and opportunities we have. He wants us to use our minds actively. He wants us to be faithful with what He's given us.
Planning is a proactive posture; worry is a reactive posture.
Three ways to know the difference between planning and worry:
1. Planning is doing what you can. Worry is stressing about what you can't.
Scripture often speaks of the importance of sowing seed and planning for a harvest.
For example, as a consultant, I can help an organization build a fantastic plan, but I can't force them to implement it. I can influence the outcome by being faithful to equip, train, and encourage, but I can't control the outcome.
2. Planning is working with what is. Worry is being paranoid about the what-ifs.
When I plan, I build steps to reach the desired outcome.
When I worry, I'm not taking any step, but instead, I'm ruminating over a myriad of outcomes (which are usually not good).
Consider the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. An employer entrusts three of his workers with different amounts of money. The first two developed a plan and doubled their money. The third guy did nothing.
He dug a hole in the ground and hid the money. When asked why, he said, "I was afraid." What was he doing? He was worrying. He was afraid of what to do, so he didn't do what he could.
3. Planning is proactive progress. Worry is engaging the hamster wheel of anxious thought without getting anywhere productive.
When our plans don't turn out exactly the way we had hoped, we learn from the experience. We become better equipped for the future. Worry drains our energy with no positive return.
Are you planning, or are you worrying? Plan well. Worry less!
 | Jenni Catron is a writer, speaker, and leadership coach who consults churches and non-profits to help them lead from their extraordinary best. As Founder and CEO of The 4Sight Group, she consults with individuals and teams on leadership and organizational health. Learn More » |
More on Vision & Culture
- Open borders or compassionate order? (by Bob Russell)
- They tried to quiet Charlie Kirk—but the gospel still speaks (by Bob Russell)
- What can Christian leaders learn from a 20-something YouTuber? Quite a lot… (by Zac McGowen)
- Steps to Launching Your Personal Workplace Ministry (by )
