Anxiety
Self-Awareness
Anxiety & Depression
Personal Growth

Catastrophe Journal

It’s not really a catastrophe. It simply feels that way.

Every time you’re sure you’ve completely blown it—write it down in your Catastrophe Journal. What you’ll find is that two things happen: You will realize over time that your predictions of doom don’t occur, and as soon as you begin writing down the details, the cycle we employ of making the details worse and worse over time will slow and stop. A month of persistence is usually all you need to begin to break the habit. It’s not really a catastrophe. It simply feels that way.

1. What did you believe you did that was so horrible?

Acknowledge the event. Dive deep into understanding what you believe went awry. Put it into words, and you might see it wasn't as bad as you first thought.

2. What dire consequences do you predict?

Jot down the outcomes you foresee. This is an exercise in confronting your worst fears, making them tangible, and, over time, seeing how seldom they materialize.

Revisit this entry in a few weeks and months. With the gained perspective reflect on your experience and the outcome.

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Seth Godin

Best-selling author, entrepreneur, and teacher.
Seth Godin is a renowned entrepreneur, best-selling author, and speaker celebrated for his profound impact on marketing and leadership. He has penned 21 best-selling books, including notable titles such as "Purple Cow," "Linchpin," and "This is Marketing." In addition to his writing accolades, Seth founded two innovative companies: Squidoo and Yoyodyne, the latter of which was acquired by Yahoo! With a legacy that spans effective marketing to transformative leadership, he holds the rare distinction of being inducted into both the Direct Marketing Hall of Fame and the Marketing Hall of Fame.

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