When you begin to worry, go find something to do. Get busy being

"When you begin to worry, go find something to do. Get busy being a blessing to someone; do something fruitful. Talking about your problem or sitting alone, thinking about it, does no good; it serves only to make you miserable. Above all else, remember that worrying is totally useless. Worrying will not solve your problem." These powerful words from Joyce Meyer hold the timeless wisdom of the ancients: that worry is not just a waste of energy but a distraction that binds us to the very problem we seek to solve. To worry is to focus endlessly on what is beyond our control, instead of engaging with the world in ways that are meaningful and fruitful. In this, Meyer reminds us that the act of worrying itself is not only futile but a form of self-sabotage.

Throughout the ages, wise men and women have taught that the path to inner peace lies not in dwelling on our troubles but in redirecting our energies toward positive action. The Stoics, for example, believed that we must focus on what is within our control and let go of what is not. Epictetus, a great Stoic philosopher, said, “We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them.” This is the essence of Meyer’s wisdom: when we are consumed by worry, we lose our capacity to act with purpose and clarity. But when we channel our energy into helping others or doing something good, we shift our focus from our problems to something that can bring meaning to our lives.

Consider the example of Mother Teresa, whose life was one of tireless service to others. In the face of immense suffering and hardship, she never succumbed to worry or despair. Instead, she found her strength in the act of service. In the poorest slums of Kolkata, she devoted herself to helping the sick and the dying, offering not only care but also dignity to those abandoned by society. Mother Teresa was deeply aware of the overwhelming nature of the suffering around her, but she did not give in to worry. Instead, she poured herself into her work, finding purpose in each small act of kindness. Her faith and dedication to serving others became a shield against the paralysis of worry, and through this service, she brought hope and light to countless lives.

Meyer’s teaching emphasizes that action is the antidote to the poison of worry. It is easy to become trapped in the spiraling cycle of thoughts that consume us when we are faced with a difficult situation. But dwelling on our problems, turning them over and over in our minds, only deepens our misery. It is through action, especially actions that benefit others, that we break free from the mental prison of worry. Whether it is lending a hand to someone in need, focusing on a productive task, or simply shifting our attention to something positive, action is the way out of despair.

In the ancient tales, we find many stories of great heroes who faced insurmountable odds but did not succumb to fear or worry. Hercules, tasked with the Twelve Labors, could have spent his time dwelling on the impossible nature of his challenges. Instead, he focused on the task at hand, finding ways to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It was his decisiveness, his determination, and his action that ultimately led him to triumph. In much the same way, the great heroes of our lives—the leaders, the teachers, the quiet warriors—are those who, when faced with difficulties, choose to act, and in their actions, they inspire others and change the world.

The lesson Meyer imparts is one that empowers us to take control of our circumstances, not through worry, but through purposeful action. Worry will not move us forward; it will not solve the problem we are facing. On the contrary, it only weakens our resolve and limits our capacity to act. But by choosing to engage with the world in a meaningful way, by helping others or focusing on something productive, we can reclaim our mental peace and emotional strength. Action breaks the chains of worry and brings us back to the present moment, where real change can occur.

In practical terms, when worry begins to take root in your mind, redirect your energy. Find someone in need, offer a word of encouragement, engage in an activity that requires your full attention, or dive into work that is aligned with your purpose. Let your mind be occupied with that which nurtures you and others, not with the fears and uncertainties that drag you down. Through purposeful action, you will not only release yourself from the grip of worry but also create a positive impact on the world around you. For, as Joyce Meyer so wisely teaches, worrying is useless—but doing something meaningful is the key to unlocking the peace and clarity we seek.