Worry is essentially a fear reaction over a future which may never materialize. Of course, if you keep yourself occupied mentally and physically, there won’t be much time to worry. But it is very difficult not to worry is like not to breathe. In most instances, our worries are wasted effort. They do absolutely no good, and can harm you.
Worry is a good example of squandered or noncreative imagination. Instead of using your imagination to help you create new ideas, or to improve yourself, you are using it to no apparent purpose. Worry is interest paid on trouble before it becomes due.

There is time enough to fret and wring your hands when the expected trouble actually appears so why worry about it now? Face the worst and you can meet anything. Another trick is to avoid worry is whenever something comes up that may cause trouble, immediately think of the worst that can happen. As soon as you have visualized that, prepare yourself accordingly, and then forget about it. For instance you have made an investment which looks as if it may turn into a loss; make up your mind that you are going to lose the entire investment. When the frustration presents itself, realize that it is a necessary part of life, and it won't bother you half so much as it does now.

Worrying about failure is the most asinine thing, if it keeps you from trying. If it motivates you to try to avoid the failure, fine. But, again, don’t waste too much time worrying about it. Go ahead and start and once you do, you will handle automatically any little failures that appear. Worrying over possible failure won’t avoid the failure. If you must worry about it, let your worry be the starting point for action. Whatever you are afraid may happen, prepare or plan for it, and you will not have to worry about it anymore.

Many of us who haven’t any really big problems will spend countless hours worrying about little things. So plan for those minor dilemmas and stop worrying about them. If you are leaving for an appointment, start earlier and then why worry about being late? Preparing for the unexpected without going to extremes can be quite useful for eliminating minor and sometimes major worries. You may not be able to avert minor worries from time to time, but you can put a stop to their habit of lingering and growing and festering.

When it comes to major worries like family difficulties, financial troubles, things of that nature, make up your mind that the situation is inevitable and go on the best way you can. When something worries you, talk it out. Confide your worry to some levelheaded person you can trust; your husband or wife, father or mother, a good friend, your clergyman, your family doctor, a teacher, school counselor, or dean. Talking things out helps to relieve your strain, helps you to see your worry in a clearer light, and often helps you to see what you can do about it.