Anxiety seems to have quietly taken control of our minds in recent years. Its influence permeates our daily conversations and emotions, especially among the talented young people I mentor. In this era of social media and information overload, I often witness them grappling with overwhelming anxiety.
This widespread anxiety might explain why Pixar’s latest animated film, “Inside Out 2,” has struck such a chord with audiences. When I recently saw the film, I found myself on an emotional rollercoaster alongside the personified emotions. The moment Anxiety, slumped on the ground, choked out, “I just wanted to help,” I was moved to tears.
The film’s portrayal of Anxiety reveals its positive side. At its core, Anxiety drives us to overcome the unknown and grow, pushing us to improve our abilities and take control of our fate. While it makes us nervous, it also propels us forward and helps us avoid danger. In this light, anxiety can be a valuable reminder to reassess our priorities and identify areas for improvement.
By harnessing these aspects of anxiety, we can transform it into a motivating force for continuous progress. As we realign our direction and put in the effort, we can eventually break through the fog of anxiety. This breakthrough allows us to appreciate the resulting calm and the happiness that comes with achievement.
However, we should strive to avoid “comparison anxiety.” This type of anxiety stems from measuring ourselves against others—perceiving others’ possessions as our lack, envying their lives, trying to emulate them, or obsessing over their opinions. Such comparisons only lead to self-consumption. If you find yourself caught in this trap, return to basics: clarify what truly matters to you and dare to ignore the rest.
While anxiety often triggers negative feelings, confronting and understanding its root causes allows us to truly embrace it—and in turn, embrace our whole selves. By doing so, we can find the strength to move forward. In this anxious age, may we all learn not just to cope with anxiety, but to dance with it.
