Welcome to the twenty-fifth blog post in the series “Monthly Mindset Shift”! As the name indicates, this series has one new post per month and will continue for the next several months. Each post in the series details a positive mindset shift we can make surrounding a feeling or experience that generally has a negative connotation. (Spoiler alert: For this post, that experience is struggling with “what if”s—AGAIN!) These shifts aren’t designed to erase all of our difficult/unwanted emotions around the topic at hand. Rather, they simply serve to improve our general outlook on the matter, which can, in turn, improve our actions and our outcomes. They’re all the more proof that a healthier, more constructive mindset can change the game!
We’ve never had a part two to a blog post…until now! In part one, we uncovered a great way to combat those “what if” scenarios that worry us—by replacing them with exciting, inspiring, positive “what if”s instead. We’re holding onto that energy for part two, but now we’re adding yet another constructive twist. The next time you catch yourself thinking “what if *insert unwanted outcome here*?”, here’s what you’re going to follow that up with…
The mindset shift…
…“even if *insert unwanted outcome here*, *insert positive reassurance here*.” Here are some examples of what those positive reassurances can be…
•“I’m going to be okay.”
•“The world won’t fall apart.”
•“It’ll be for the best.”
•“It’s somehow going to work itself out.”
•“I’m going to trust that something better is in store for me.”
•“I might feel *insert difficult emotion here*, but I’ll work through it.”
•“I’ll manage to take something positive away from it.”
In negative “what if” scenarios, our minds spiral. We feel at a loss for control, all because of things that may or may not happen. However, we can take some power back by giving ourselves the comfort of knowing that somehow, someway, we’re going to be okay. In fact, in the best scenario, we’ll be better than okay! Things will not only resolve themselves, but something more beautiful than we could’ve imagined will come out of it.
More food for thought…
If you need reason to embrace this “even if” shift, here it is. You’ve survived 100% of your obstacles so far. Every unwanted outcome you’ve experienced, you’ve somehow made it through. I’d venture to guess that in many of those cases, you’ve found some form of value in the experience.
Whether it was a rejection that turned out to be a redirection toward something better-aligned for you, or it was a lesson you just had to learn through trial and error to change your life for the better, it wasn’t for nothing. It can be easy to lose sight of these unexpected takeaways, especially in the height of your emotions. However, let this be your reminder that life works in mysterious yet incredible ways.
Disclaimer…
Of course, as a disclaimer, this mindset shift is NOT to encourage taking dangerous or ill-advised risks (so, please don’t). Alternatively, the “even if” reframe is more for your run-of-the-mill opportunities for failure, rejection, and things just not happening the way you envisioned (whether you’re contemplating pursuing these opportunities or already have and are waiting for a result). When you have little (or nothing) to lose and everything to gain, the negative “what if”s should fade into the background. Because even if you make a mistake, get rejected, or have to try something different, you will come out better on the other side!
The bottom line…
So, what if things don’t go according to plan? Well, even if that’s the case, that probably just means there’s a better plan you’re not in the know about yet! Trust and believe that it will unfold exactly how and when it’s meant to!
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