Why Worry?

A great article by motivational speaker and author Zig Ziglar. Enjoy!

Worry has been described as “interest paid on trouble before it comes due.” One of America’s worst enemies is worry. Worry is like a rocking chair, it requires a lot of energy and it gets you nowhere. Leo Buscaglia said, “Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.”

Question: Are you a worrier? Americans take more pills to forget more worries about more things than ever before and more than any other nation in history. That’s bad. According to Dr. Charles Mayo, “Worry affects the circulation and the whole nervous system. I’ve never known a man who died from overwork, but I’ve known many who have died from doubt.” Doubt always creates worry and, in most cases, lack of information raises the doubt.

Mathematically speaking, it really doesn’t make sense to worry. Psychologists and much research tells us that roughly 40% of what we worry about will never happen and 30% has already happened. Additionally, 12% of our worries are over unfounded health concerns. Another 10% of our worries involve the daily miscellaneous fretting that accomplishes nothing. That leaves only 8%. Plainly speaking, Americans are worrying 92% of the time for no good reason and if Dr. Mayo is right, it’s killing us.

One simple solution that will reduce your worry is this: Don’t worry about what you can’t change. Example: For a number of years I’ve flown in excess of 200,000 miles a year. On occasion, flights are canceled or delayed. As I write this article, I’m sitting on the runway waiting for my gate to clear. If I worry or get angry it will change nothing. If I take constructive action and finish this article, I’m ahead of the game. That’s a positive way to use the energy that would have been wasted on anger, frustration, or worrying.

The message is clear: If you don’t like your situation in life, don’t fret or worry - do something about it. Worry less, act more, and I will SEE YOU AT THE TOP!


Zig Ziglar is a motivator and teacher. He is the author of 27 books and loved by millions of people world wide for his practical wisdom and his gift of hope.

Also, check out the new blog Ziglar Pure and Simple by son, Tom Ziglar.

To lead is to serve,
Coach Carolyn