Several years ago, I heard the following phrase…
“If something won’t matter in 5 years, don’t waste more than 5 minutes worrying about it now.”
I know it might sound overly-simple (potentially a little naive too) but it’s one of those phrases that has really stuck with me over the years.
In general, I’m not a huge worrier; however, there are still times when I feel overwhelmed or get decision fatigue because I waste time wondering and worrying about silly things that really don’t matter in the big scheme of life.
Things that definitely won’t matter in 5 years.
I know I’m not the only one either!
In my quest to simplify all aspects of my life, I have mentally replayed this phrase countless times over the past several years. And although it doesn’t always help me to immediately stop worrying or stressing, it DOES often help me to take a small step back, put things into perspective, take a deep breath, and realize the thing I’m currently worrying and stressing about probably won’t be all that big of a deal in the grand scheme of my life.
It’s amazing how worked up we can get over something JUST IN OUR HEADS — potentially something that might not even happen in our real lives.
All that thinking and worrying and stressing takes time and energy away from other activities we could be (and probably should be) doing instead.
And when we neglect the things we should be doing, we feel more stressed because we’re behind, and start to worry about how we will find the time to do everything we need to do.
It’s a vicious cycle, and one that’s not necessarily super easy to break (especially if you’re prone to worrying).
However, you CAN get better!
I know it won’t work every time or in every situation, but the next time you start to worry or feel stressed out, make yourself stop for 20 seconds and simply consider if what you’re worrying about will actually matter in 5 years.
If it WON’T matter, then force yourself to stop worrying about it.
If it WILL matter, sit down and come up with 1 or 2 things you can do today to move towards solving your problem, alleviating some of the stress or worry around the issue, or even just learning more about the issue or problem at hand.
The issue or problem probably won’t go away immediately, but your thoughts will be clearer and you’ll be able to focus on all the other things you could be doing instead of worrying about something that might not even matter.
I know my life has been drastically simplified because of this one little phrase — I hope it might do the same for you too!
Nina Naomi says
I love the idea–a black line–if it won’t matter in 5 years, it doesn’t matter now. Or hardly matters. I am older than you, with grandchildren, but the thought still works. Of course, there are things that will matter forever and those are things that need our best thoughts, meditations, prayers. There’s a corollary I’ve heard: “Everything matters but nothing matters very much.” What do you think? So glad I found your blog. Grandmanaturediary.blogspot.com
Ginger says
Thank you for this! I am the biggest worrier! It is actually crippling. I know the Bible talks about worry and I go to it with my excessive worry but I am definitely going to use this perspective too.
Thank you.
Jen says
Very appropriate post, Andrea. Another thing I try to remind myself (especially with events in the news) is “Can I do anything about it?” Most often the answer is no. So I pray and then let it go. Stressing about things just negatively affects how I meet the needs of my family and my workplace and doesn’t solve the bigger problem anyway.
Andrea says
yeah, I honestly don’t even watch the news anymore — I know that might sound naive and not very patriotic, but most of it is just depressing and there’s nothing I can do about it. So I don’t watch it!
Barb says
Thank you for this post Andrea, it is spot on! I especially like how it takes something potentially overwhelming and simplifies it down to its basic points of if its not important move on, and if it is important how do you solve it. Excellent post!
Andrea says
Thanks Barb — good summary 🙂
Luba @ Healthy with Luba says
Yes, Andrea! When I look back at what I worried over several years ago, it seems so silly and a complete waste of my time. Trusting God in matters that can’t or won’t change does much more good!
As a matter of fact, one of my relatives had a stroke because she would not stop worrying. :-/
Janet says
Andrea, thank you very the reminder. This has been a very chaotic summer for our family and it really won’t calm down until September. Your words are a good reminder about perspective. Have a fabulous day with your family!
Jody says
My acronym for when my ancient gets high is W.I.N.
What’s Important Now. Right now, in this moment what is important. Focus on that.
I’ll be adding your strategy to many situations.
Thank you
Andrea says
Thanks for sharing your WIN acronym… that’s a good one too!