Worry rehearses a show that almost never opens. Save the energy for opening night.

Worry is preparation aimed at events that mostly do not happen. It feels responsible, which is why it is hard to set down, and it spends real energy on imagined versions so that less is available for the actual one when it arrives. The rehearsal also grows more elaborate each time, since nothing ever contradicts it.

When you catch yourself running a scenario, ask whether there is an action available right now. If there is, do the small version of it. If there is not, the honest move is to set it down until there is, which is a skill and takes practice rather than willpower.