summary
Worrying is a habit of the mind, not a life sentence. Carnegie’s system teaches useful ways to stop overthinking that hurts you.
7 Important Ways to Stop Worrying
1. Follow the “Day-Tight Compartments” rule: “Don’t saw sawdust.” (There is no past or future; only today matters.)
Action: Say, “What can I do about this RIGHT NOW?” If nothing happens, let it go.
2. The formula that breaks worries
Think about it: “What’s the worst that could happen?”
Accept: Get your mind ready to accept the worst-case scenario.
Improve: Get to work on fixing it right away.
3. Stay busy (the psychological law of substitution)
A busy mind can’t hold on to worry.
Schedule 15-minute “worry sessions” and put off all other worries until then.
4. Don’t worry about the little things. Ask yourself, “Will this matter in five years?”
“Life is too short to be little,” said Carnegie.
5. Work with what you can’t change
Fighting things that can’t be changed (like getting sick or losing your job) makes the pain worse.
Example: Flexibility keeps things from breaking, just like a tree bends in a storm.
6. Set a “Stop-Loss” on Your Worries
Don’t waste more mental energy on things that won’t work out, according to the investor’s rule.
7. Make yourself happy (it’s a choice). Every day, do this:
Write down three things you’re thankful for.
Do something nice without letting anyone know
Spend 30 minutes outside
Well-Known Case Studies
A Salesman’s Turnaround: He used the “worst-case” method to get over his fear of rejection and became one of the best salespeople.
The Power of Acceptance: A doctor healed his arthritis by letting go of his anger (which shows that stress makes pain worse).
Why These Methods Work
Carnegie’s rules use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) ideas that were around for decades before psychology made them official.
Great for:
People who think too much
People who work under stress
Anyone who is feeling overwhelmed by life today
Give this a try today:
Write this down the next time you feel like you’re going down:
The issue
The worst thing that could happen
How would you get through it
One small thing you can do to make things better
“Our thoughts make us who we are” is a good quote to remember.