Dear John,

Have you found yourself wide awake at 3:00 a.m. worried, distressed, and anxious about the COVID-19 pandemic? Or maybe it overwhelms you at different parts of the day?

Here is what I do when it happens to me (yes, I am up at 3:00 a.m. every now and then):

1. Find a distraction free place.
2. Get out a note pad or a journal and write your gratitude list. Make the list long and include all of the big and small things you can think of. Invest at least 5 minutes doing this. If you write a person's name down, think about why you are grateful for them and recall a specific memory about them. The goal is to change your emotional state. Gratitude and fear don’t live in the same space at the same time.
3. Have a conversation with God using 2 Chairs. One chair for you, one for God. Ask God three questions - God, do you know what is going on? (YES) God, are you big enough to handle it? (YES) God, what is the plan? LISTEN to what God has to say for 5 minutes - sit peacefully waiting for God to answer. He will. I learned this from my good friend Bob Beaudine and his book 2 Chairs.
4. Write down a victory list. Things you have accomplished in the past that you are proud of. Graduating from school, closing a sale, helping someone in need, finishing a difficult project, overcoming a big challenge. This is to remind yourself that you have done it before and you can do it again.
5. Identify the problem that is giving you the most concern. Write it down. Now write down everything you can do to solve the problem. Create an action plan and take action! Dad always said identifying a problem is positive. It only becomes a negative if you stay focused on the problem. Instead, focus on the solution.
6. There are most likely some (or a lot) of things you have no control over. Now take massive action on these as well. Give these problems to God. As you give each of these to God, let Him know how grateful you are that He knows exactly what is going on, and that He is big enough to handle it. Thank Him for the plan he has given you and rejoice in Romans 8:28, that all things work together for good, and be encouraged by James 1:2&3, that you will become stronger because of the situation, and God will perfectly position you to fulfill His/your purpose.
7. Now go back to sleep! Or if it's the middle of the day, get to work!

You are not in this alone!

Blessings to you!

Choose to Win!

Tom

P.S. Our Performance Planner is back in stock, discounted and comes with a free set of BRAND new Ziglar inspired gel highlighters! Get yours now here!