You know that idea you’ve been mulling over? Yes, that one. The big audacious idea that scares you and thrills you all at once. Let’s talk about that idea, or rather, let’s talk about what’s holding you back from taking steps to implement that idea.
How many different versions of “what if” have you been kicking around in an attempt to delay taking those first steps to bring your idea to fruition? Considering the potential challenges and outcomes is important. Limiting your imagination to only the negative “what ifs,” however, can stop you in your tracks before you even get a chance to test the waters. It will hold you back and limit your ability to grow.
You’re not the only one asking “what if?” In fact, as patterns of human thought go, this one is fairly common. The problem isn’t in asking the question(s). The problem is being paralyzed by the potential answers. If you’re spiraling from one potential negative outcome to another, it’s hard to take a step out on that ledge and leap at opportunity. Asking “what if?” is normal, but that doesn’t mean you need to be held hostage by it.
As noted earlier, understanding the potential challenges and missteps can be beneficial. Tackling a new adventure with rose-colored glasses can trip us up just as easily as being caught up in the negative train of thoughts generated by “what if?” can. You’re stepping into new territory. There will be challenges. Making the leap equipped with a realistic outlook can help you better handle the speedbumps when you encounter them.
Going into this adventure with some forethought can help you preemptively prepare for challenges in a way that sets you up to overcome them and succeed. Looking to take on an entrepreneurial pursuit? It can take you time to reach a place of financial stability and independence. Wondering “what if I’m not making enough money to support myself off my business?” is not an unrealistic question.
Asking the question allows you to make a plan to address the (likely) possibility that your business won’t be profitable right out the gate. Being equipped with a solid plan to pre-emptively address the issue allows you to launch your endeavor with the confidence that you can weather this potential challenge and not be held back by it.
Your questions aren’t all just imagined negative scenarios. There is some validity to most of them. What if you can’t find a market for this product? Sure, you are probably not the only one looking for the product or service you’re thinking of offering, but does that mean there’s enough other folks seeking it to make it a viable product? Don’t guess. Do your due diligence and find out.
“What ifs” can be the nudge we need to get some real legs under our idea. Taking a leap toward our future is exciting and encouraged. Taking a blind leap, however, is not the same thing. Let your “what ifs” guide you through doing your homework and go into this endeavor well equipped with a plan.
Let’s make this simple: if your brain is tossing around thoughts like “What if I fail,” answer with “What if I succeed?” Sure, you might not pull this grand idea off, but you also might.
Instead of allowing yourself to wallow in the potential negative outcomes, hit pause on that line of thought and be deliberate in asking yourself the flip side of that coin. “What if I can’t handle this promotion?” becomes “What if I excel in this role? What impact can this have on my life and career?”
Even if you’ve done your homework and reframed your thoughts, that little anxious voice may still be nagging you from way back in your mind. Having it whisper doubts isn’t a sign that something is off. If all your research and planning indicates that this venture has potential, that your skills are a fit for this new role, that this risk is worth tasking, take it anyway. You may not silence that voice of doubt, but you can prove it wrong.
This isn’t the first time you asked “what if” and yet took the leap anyway. Hold onto those past success stories (and the doubts that preceded them) as motivation for future endeavors. “I’ve asked these questions before. I’ve prepared myself to address the potential hurdles. I’ve successfully cleared them and achieved my goals. I can do this again.”
Create a legacy of “what if I succeed?” outcomes and remind yourself of that track record when you’re feeling doubt.
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