My therapist taught me to interrupt my anxious thinking with thoughts like:
“What if things work out” and “What if all my hard work pays off?”
So, I’m passing that onto you wherever you are, whatever you’re leaving, or whomever you’re becoming.
– Sinclair P. Ceasar III
When the anxious thoughts start their relentless march, meet them with a gentle, yet firm, interruption. Replace the “what ifs” of doom with the “what ifs” of possibility.
Think about it. Our brains are incredibly powerful, but they can also get stuck in ruts. When anxiety takes hold, it often fixates on the negative “what ifs”:
- “What if I fail this presentation?”
- “What if they don’t like me?”
- “What if something terrible happens?”
These questions, while stemming from a place of wanting to protect ourselves, actually fuel the very anxiety they’re trying to prevent. They paint a picture of potential disaster, keeping us in a state of fear and unease.
The magic lies in consciously choosing to plant different seeds in the fertile ground of your mind. Here are two incredibly potent seeds:
1. “What if things work out?”
This simple question is a revolutionary act against the tyranny of negative prediction. It doesn’t deny the possibility of challenges, but it bravely opens the door to a different outcome. It invites a sense of hope and possibility into the equation.
Consider this: you’re stressing about a job interview. Your usual “what if” might be, “What if I stumble over my words and they think I’m unqualified?” Now, try interrupting that with: “What if things work out? What if I connect with the interviewer? What if my skills and experience shine through and I’m exactly what they’re looking for?”
Notice the shift? The first thought tightens your chest and fills you with dread. The second offers a glimmer of optimism, a sense that maybe, just maybe, things could go well.
2. “What if all my hard work pays off?”
This one is a powerful antidote to feelings of futility and discouragement. When you’re pouring your energy into a project, a relationship, or a personal goal, it’s easy for doubt to creep in. You might think, “What if all this effort is for nothing?”
But what if you countered that with: “What if all my hard work pays off? What if this late-night studying leads to that amazing grade? What if this effort I’m putting into my relationship deepens our connection and brings us closer? What if this dedication to my health finally brings me the energy and vitality I desire?”
This “what if” acknowledges your effort and dares to envision a positive return on your investment. It reinforces your commitment and fuels your motivation.
Here’s the unique wisdom I want to add to this powerful technique:
- Don’t just say it, feel it: When you ask yourself these “what if” questions, don’t just let the words float by. Take a moment to truly feel the possibility. Imagine what it would feel like for things to work out. Visualize the satisfaction of your hard work bearing fruit. Engaging your emotions makes these thoughts more impactful.
- Be patient and persistent: Rewiring your brain takes time and consistent effort. Don’t get discouraged if the anxious thoughts still pop up. Just gently guide your mind back to the “what ifs” of hope, again and again. Think of it like training a muscle – the more you practice, the stronger it gets.
- Embrace the uncertainty: Life is inherently uncertain. The anxious mind tries to eliminate this uncertainty by fixating on negative possibilities. The “what if” of hope doesn’t promise a guaranteed positive outcome, but it acknowledges that positive outcomes are just as possible as negative ones. It encourages you to embrace the unknown with a slightly more open heart.
- Notice the ripple effect: As you consistently interrupt your anxious thoughts with these hopeful alternatives, you’ll start to notice a subtle but significant shift in your overall mood and perspective. You might feel a little lighter, a little more optimistic, and a little more empowered to face challenges.
So, the next time that familiar wave of anxiety washes over you, remember these powerful “what ifs.” Plant those seeds of hope and possibility in the garden of your mind. You might be surprised at the beautiful blooms that begin to emerge.
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