Why Worry?

You've got a paper due Tuesday night, calculus homework that desperately needs your attention, a lab report you haven't started, and an exam to study for tomorrow! How will you ever get it all done in time? The clock is ticking each second you contemplate your distress, and as you frantically worry about how you're going to get all these things done, you remember you have tickets to the basketball game! Consumed by the anxiety of all you need to do, you make it through your week in a heightened state of miserable tension. But in the end, you got it done. In fact, as you look back on your week, you realize something funny: you ALWAYS find a way to get it done.


                                                     Cartoon by Bill Watterson.

Our comic strip hero Calvin may not be the most studious boy of his time, and his poor time management skills leave a lot to be desired, but the basic message presented should ring true to a lot of us. We've all been there before; we have a huge project or assignment hanging over our heads, and whether we've been too busy to touch it or have simply procrastinated, we find ourselves in a pickle.

Now I want you to think back to all those times you felt overwhelmed and tell me one thing: when was the last time you simply didn't get it done? Was it ever so bad that you actually couldn't complete a project or submit a paper? Maybe it was late, and maybe it wasn't high quality, but I'd wager that you've almost always found a way to get it done. And if you couldn't get that book report done to the quality you wanted in 10th grade, how has that impacted your life? Is everything ruined?

My guess is it stopped mattering within a couple months. Maybe you feel that the stakes are much higher in college, and every point is essential for achieving your dreams, but does that mean you should be stressed out over question number 6 on your physics exam? Will that problem make or break your future?

My point is not that we should blow off our assignments like Calvin and forget our responsibilities because they don't actually matter; my point is that "worrying" about them is utterly useless. When has worrying about something ever helped the outcome? We should try our best to get the job done, maintain a positive attitude about it, and let go of the anxiety! Have some faith in your ability, enjoy the present, and be an encouragement to others. Planning out your schedule and making a task list is a great idea, but allowing your workload to consume your thoughts and defeat your spirit just isn't worth it. You're a healthy, free, young individual with a bright future; you owe it to yourself for more.

So as THON approaches this weekend, and I try to deal with an insane to-do list (including a deliberation!) I'm going to stay positive and have some fun! By allotting myself enough time to complete the things I know I have to get done, I can trust myself and enjoy an amazing THON weekend. I hope you do too!

             
                           This image is compliments of Good News Text.