Thinking about the future can be scary. While we all want to enjoy a happy and carefree existence, there are lots of things we worry about, especially when we take a minute to consider what lies ahead.

If trying to picture your life a year from now sends a shiver down your spine, it’s important to know you’re not alone. It’s normal to feel a little intimidated and like you don’t have a handle on it all, but you don’t have to stay scared forever.

 

Before you do anything else, it’s useful to realize that what you’re afraid of is a lack of control. The only reason we worry about what lies in our futures is because we have a picture of how we’d like them to be, and we’re afraid the reality won’t align with this.

Luckily, there are some really great coping mechanisms for making it seem slightly less scary. Here are three of them for you to try.

 

Write down your worries

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For most people, our worries about the future are quite specific. You might be afraid that you’ll still be stuck in a dead-end job five years from now, or that you’ll be single and approaching 40. That’s why it’s a good idea to write these fears down, and then go over them one by one.

Start by asking yourself ‘what’s the worst that could happen?’, and then spend some time considering how you can avoid such an outcome. For example, if you’re afraid your career won’t progress in the direction you want it to, have a think about ways to kick-start the changes you’d like to see, whether through applying for a different role or looking at gaining experience or training in an area of interest.

This way, you can take some control back and make it all seem a little less daunting.

 

Formulate a five-year plan

As well as addressing your fears, it can be helpful to take a more proactive approach to combat them. Devising a five-year plan is just one way you can do this. Instead of asking yourself what you’re afraid of, think about what you want from the future.

Once you have an idea of this, spend a while thinking about ways you can achieve these goals, while also setting yourself realistic timelines for ticking them off. These can be both personal and/or professional, so whether it’s a new career or a happy relationship you’d like, be sure to include what matters most to you.

With a solid idea of what you desire from your life, you’ll find you have a renewed sense of direction that helps to put your fears on the backburner.

 

 

Seek out spirituality

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If you’re looking for a slightly more out-of-the-box option, some people find it helpful to talk to a Reader in order to gain more insight in a particular situation. Sites such as TheCircle can provide useful resources as well as instructions on how to arrange a psychic chat.

This can be helpful even for those from all walks of life, as it encourages you to think ahead and can be useful in helping to clarify what you want from the next few years of your life.

Many people also find it incredibly comforting, as our futures are rarely as bleak as we fear they might be and are often filled with lots of lovely things to look forward to.

Isn’t it time you laid your worries to rest?