Anxiety so often urges quick action. We rush, focused on the future and a particular outcome. The result is more rushing, worry about the future and poor outcomes.

The Navy Seals have a saying, “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast,” and it’s a practical paradoxical attitude to experiment with for anxiety.

Next time you find yourself caught up in the day’s rush, experiment with slowing down and turning your focus only to the task in front of you. Experiment with breaking the task into even smaller tasks. See how small you can make the task.

Initially, this may feel like losing sight of the goal and dangerous. In reality, bringing more focus and energy to each small step in front of you is focusing more on the end goal.