Focus Outward

When we worry about going broke, getting sick, or losing face, our focus is on ourselves. One way to reduce worrying is to shift gears, and focus on how you can help someone else.

• Who among those closest to you is dealing with a health issue, unemployment, family concerns, or some other loss? Do something that you think will help — something that you can do right now. A note of encouragement? An invitation to lunch? A little gift?
• If you could rid the world of one problem, what would it be? AIDS? Child abuse? Battered women? Homelessness? Illiteracy? What truly touches you? Do something on behalf of that cause right now. Call for a brochure. Send a check. Check an Internet site. Sign up to volunteer next weekend. Give in a small way to chip away at a big problem.

When you find a way to improve someone's day, two things will happen: 1) You'll forget your own worries for a while, perhaps even putting them in better perspective, and 2) You'll feel a rush of confidence as you make a difference in someone's life.

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Excerpted from Recharge in Minutes ©2003 Suzanne Zoglio, PhD www.zoglio.com Buy the book

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