Anxiety vs Being Excited

What’s the difference between feeling anxious about something and feeling excited about something?

Think of a time you were anxious about something. How did you feel? You probably experienced a faster pulse rate and a heightened awareness.

Now remember a time you were excited about something. How did you feel? You probably experienced a faster pulse rate and a heightened awareness.

Aren’t the physical symptoms similar in each case? They seem to be on autopilot.

Then what’s the difference? The difference is your focus and your expectations about what’s going to happen next—and those are under your control.