As you awaken in the darkness of night, the clock reading 4 a.m., a wave of uneasiness washes over you. The source of this feeling could be a looming interview, an upcoming earnings report, a potential deal, or just a vague sense of dread with no clear cause. Your mind races as you try to relax, knowing that if you don’t fall back asleep, you’ll be exhausted before your day even begins.
This feeling, known as uhtceare in Old English, is a common experience, particularly in the early hours of the morning. Typically associated with anxiety, uhtceare can leave us restless and sleep-deprived, compounding the initial worry that woke us up.
However, there is a way to reframe this anxiety into excitement. Rather than trying to calm yourself down, embrace the feeling of anticipation as a positive force that can drive productivity and performance. By shifting your mindset from fear to adventure, you can harness the energy of anxiety for beneficial outcomes.
Anxiety and excitement both trigger similar physical responses, such as increased heart rate and perspiration. By viewing these symptoms as signs of readiness for a challenge, you can approach difficult situations with confidence and determination.
Self-doubt and lack of confidence often fuel anxiety, stemming from doubts about our abilities, resources, or the fairness of the environment in which we operate. Building a culture of trust and support within a workplace can help alleviate these doubts, providing employees with the confidence and resources they need to succeed.
Leaders play a crucial role in shaping the culture of an organization, fostering an environment where team members feel empowered and supported. With a strong leadership team and a commitment to ethical values, employees can tackle challenges with enthusiasm and drive, rather than succumbing to self-doubt and anxiety.
In such a positive and supportive culture, the early hours of the morning may still find you awake, but instead of uhtceare, you’ll be filled with anticipation for the day ahead. Embracing excitement as a driving force, you can approach each new opportunity with purpose, progress, and productivity.
