A Shift from "What if" Thinking

Imagine you're faced with a decision, or you're putting yourself out there in a new situation, or you're worried about your performance, or you're in a relationship, or you have a new ache/pain/illness - you get the idea.

Does your mind immediately jump to the "what ifs"?

What if I make the wrong choice?

What if they hate it?

What if they take it the wrong way?

What if I fall flat on my face?

What if something is seriously wrong with me?

It's so easy to get stuck in the worst-case scenario loop. We think about all the things that could go wrong. Sure, this sometimes serves us well. Why? It keeps us safe. It prevents us from leaving our comfort zones to try something risky that might just not go the way we intend.

But you know what? By keeping you safe, it's also keeping you stagnant - preventing growth.

The shift I'm suggesting this week isn't to ignore these thoughts. Pretending there are NO risks isn't helpful either.

The key is to simply change one word to answer these questions in a slightly different way . . . switch it up to even if.

Even if my choice doesn't work out, I can make a different choice next.

Even if they hate it, I can edit and adjust (and...it doesn't define my worth!)

Even if they take it the wrong way, I can clarify (or let them misunderstand me)

Even if I fall flat on my face, I can try again (or laugh it off, or try a different approach, or ask for help)

Even if something is seriously wrong with me, I can get better (or rest, or receive treatment, etc.)

As you go through the next week, try to catch yourself making "what if" questions and worst-case scenarios. Rewrite them into "even if" statements.

Journal Prompts:

• What “what if” thought has been on repeat for me lately?

• If that did happen, what would I actually do next?

• Where in my life do I already have evidence that I can handle hard things?

• What would change if I trusted myself in the “even if”?

• How likely is this “what if” scenario, really?

• If this did happen, what parts would be uncomfortable… and what parts would be manageable?

• What am I assuming that I don’t actually know for sure?

Affirmations:

• Even if it’s messy, I am still moving forward.

• I trust myself to handle what comes next.

• I am capable of editing, adjusting, and continuing.

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Office Hours:  This month Office Hours are on Wednesday, May 20. This is for Editor's Circle Coaching Members as well as any Guided Revision Coaching Members who would like to touch base between scheduled coaching appointments. HERE is the link to schedule a 30-minute slot

The Weekly Draft: happens every Sunday evening at 7pm at this link. Come prepared to reflect on the past week and draft the upcoming week. It is meant to be a heads down, co-planning time, with me being available to share strategies and/or answer questions. Join me HERE