The Golden Book (II)

Dale Garnegie

How to stop worrying and start living

Fundamental Principles for Overcoming Worry

  1. Live in "day tight compartments."
  2. How to face trouble:
    a. Ask yourself, "What is the worst that can possibly happen?"
    b. Prepare to accept the worst.
    c. Try to improve on the worst.
  3. Remind yourself of the exorbitant price you can pay for worry in terms of your health.

Basic Techniques in Analysing Worry

  1. Get all the facts.
  2. Weigh all the facts — then come to a decision.
  3. Once a decision is reached, act!
  4. Write out and answer the following questions:
    a. What is the problem?
    b. What are the causes of the problem?
    c. What are the possible solutions?
    d. What is the best possible solution?

Break the Worry Habit Before It Breaks You

  1. Keep busy.
  2. Don’t fuss about trifles.
  3. Use the law of averages to outlaw your worries.
  4. Cooperate with the inevitable.
  5. Decide just how much anxiety a thing may be worth and refuse to give it more.
  6. Don’t worry about the past.

Cultivate a Mental Attitude that will Bring You Peace and Happiness

  1. Fill your mind with thoughts of peace, courage, health and hope.
  2. Never try to get even with your enemies.
  3. Expect ingratitude.
  4. Count your blessings — not your troubles
  5. Do not imitate others.
  6. Try to profit from your losses.
  7. Create happiness for others.

The Perfect Way to Conquer Worry

Worry about Criticism

  1. Remember that unjust criticism is often a disguised compliment.
  2. Do the very best you can.
  3. Analyze your own mistakes and criticize yourself.

Prevent Fatigue and Worry and Keep Your Energy and Spirits High

  1. Rest before you get tired.
  2. Learn to relax at your work..
  3. Protect your health and appearance by relaxing at home.
  4. Apply these four good working habits:
    a) Clear your desk of all papers except those relating to the immediate problem at hand.
    b) Do things in the order of their importance.
    c) When you face a problem, solve it then and there if you have the facts necessary to make a decision.
    d) Learn to organize, deputize and supervise.
  5. Put enthusiasm into your work.
  6. Don’t worry about insomnia.

If you look into your own heart, and you find nothing wrong there, what is there to worry about? What is there to fear?

Confucius (551B.C.E.-479B.C.)