We all have those moments where our minds wander down the path of worry and anxiety. “What if I fail?” “What if things don’t go as planned?” “What if they don’t like me?” These negative “what ifs” can be powerful and overwhelming, often pulling us away from the present moment and into a spiral of doubt.
But what if we could change this narrative? What if we could use our “what ifs” to empower and uplift us instead?
The Power of Positive “What Ifs”
Next time you catch yourself worrying, pause and ask, “What if everything goes better than I imagined?” Imagine replacing those negative thoughts with positive possibilities:
- “What if I succeed beyond my wildest dreams?”
- “What if everything falls perfectly into place?”
- “What if they love my idea?”
Our thoughts have the incredible power to shape our reality. When we choose to see the bright side, we open ourselves up to a world of opportunities and positivity.
My Journey
Let me share my own journey to illustrate this point. As a psychotherapist and life coach, I’ve always been passionate about helping others. However, after being diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer, I was overwhelmed by negative “what ifs”:
- “What if the cancer comes back?”
- “What if I can’t work?”
- “What if I die?”
These thoughts could have easily held me back, but I decided to flip the script on my “what ifs.” I started to ask myself different questions:
- “What if I get better?”
- “What if I find new ways to connect with and support my clients?”
- “What if this journey strengthens my resolve and deepens my understanding of healing so I can support others on their journey?”
With this new mindset, I began to explore alternative methods to heal and strengthen my mind-body connection. I started sharing my experiences and insights with a wider audience through my work and social media and saying yes to the things I wouldn’t have in the past.
Not only did my health show signs of improvement, but my work also felt easier. I connected with clients on a deeper level, offering them hope and inspiration through my own journey. By flipping the script on my “what ifs,” I found new purpose and joy in my work.
How to Flip Your Own “What Ifs”
You can do the same in your own life. Here’s how to get started:
1. Identify Your Negative “What Ifs”
Pay attention to the negative “what ifs” that pop up in your mind. Write them down if it helps to see them clearly.
2. Challenge Those Thoughts
Ask yourself, “Is this thought helping me or holding me back?” Recognise that these negative thoughts are not facts but fears.
3. Replace with Positive “What Ifs”
Transform each negative thought into a positive possibility. For example, change “What if I fail?” to “What if I succeed beyond my wildest dreams?”
4. Take Action
Start taking small steps towards your goals, just like I did. Each step forward, no matter how small, reinforces your positive mindset and builds momentum.
Embrace the Possibilities
It’s about shifting our mindset from a place of scarcity and fear to one of abundance and possibility.
So next time you’re caught in a spiral of negative “what ifs,” take a deep breath and flip the script. You have the power to create a positive narrative for your life, one thought at a time.
