They are the questions we share with our closest people, and sometimes, only utter to ourselves. They are the ones that wake us up at night, and keep us stalled at the intersections of our lives. And they begin with these two little words:
“What if…”
What if I apply for this job, and I don’t get it? What if I do get the job and I hate it? What if they think my idea is stupid? What if I move, but I can’t find a job? What if no one likes me? What if my friends or family disowns me? What if I stand up for what I believe in, and I’m left alone? What if I choose the wrong college, career, spouse, house, cell service—the list goes on and on.
For those who struggle with anxiety, “What if” is not only a daily thought, but sometimes an every minute one. Yet even if we aren’t currently struggling with a diagnosable grade, the right “What if” question can send us into a spiral of worry. “What if,” questions the likelihood of our worst fears coming true. It has the power of bringing these fears in close and scaring the crap out of us.
When we let them, these “What If” questions can paralyze us. Or worse, keep us from going after the very things we want most in life. I know, because I am a “What If” expert.
“What if,” questions the likelihood of our worst fears coming true. It has the power of bringing these fears in close and scaring the crap out of us.
More than a time or two, I have allowed “What If” to hold me back from doing something I really wanted to do. Worse, if I was to inspect all the dreams of mine that are waiting in the wings of my life, I am sure a few have been kept back stage solely because of “What if.”
“What if,” is a life battle we all have to face—some of us, on a regular basis. In the same way many of us find ourselves battling people pleasing, insecurity, greed, or even addiction, we must wrestle with the fear of “What if.” With each question, we must weigh risking our fears coming true against the risk of losing the opportunity to do what we want. Or worse, losing the opportunity to do something we know in our bones we’ve been made to do.
This month, here on the blog, we are looking at some of the biggest “What if” questions that have plagued us. I will share some ways I have found the courage to overcome the “What If” questions I’ve defeated, as well as talk about what to do with the ones that continue to hold us hostage.
“What if” can make us feel like we are playing Russian Roulette with our dreams. Or even simply, with our day. It is a fear that sneaks up on us, trying to control our lives. But it doesn’t have to win.
“What if” can make us feel like we are playing Russian Roulette with our dreams. Or even simply, with our day. It is a fear that sneaks up on us, trying to control our lives. But it doesn’t have to win. This month, let us go on a journey together to learn how to take away the power of “What if.” Let us learn how to more authentically and purposely move forward in our lives, without allowing fear to hold us back.
What is one “What if” question you’ve been worrying about this week?
What is a past “What If” question that made you make a decision you regret?
Are you in the midst of making a decision? Contemplating a life change? If so, you may be interested in my FREE Making Changes Checklist that I give to all my email friends. Want your free copy? subscribe here.
