Do you ever find yourself stuck in a rut of negative thoughts, endlessly replaying worst-case scenarios in your mind? This mental chatter, often fueled by “what ifs,” can be paralyzing, preventing us from taking action and reaching our full potential.

Here are some familiar examples of these negative “what ifs” that can hold us back:

• Social worries: What if I say something stupid? What if everyone thinks I’m boring? What if I make a fool of myself?
• Performance anxieties: What if I bomb my presentation? What if I miss my sales target? What if I get passed over for the promotion?
• Fear of failure: What if I’m not good enough? What if I disappoint everyone? What if I never achieve my dreams?

As a therapist with over 25 years of experience, I understand your struggle. Those “what-ifs” are everywhere, feeding our worries. But guess what? I’ve got some tricks to help you break free and even harness that “what-if” energy for good.

Your First Weapon: “So What?”

Your first weapon against those negative “what ifs” is the simple phrase “so what?” Sounds strange, right? But trust me—it works!

• What if my car breaks down?

So what? Everyone makes mistakes. It’s a chance to learn, apologize, and do better next time.

• What if I fail?

So what? Everyone experiences setbacks. I’ll learn from it and be better prepared next time.

“So what?” disrupts the cycle of negativity and empowers you to focus on solutions.

Harness the Power of Positive “What Ifs”

Believe it or not, what-if thinking doesn’t need to be negative! Let’s turn it into a force for good:

• What if today is a great day?
• What if my presentation is so good that I get a promotion?
• What if I meet someone amazing today?

By focusing on positive “what ifs,” we activate our imagination. We start picturing success and approach challenges with a “can-do” attitude.

Train Your Brain for Success

The more you train your brain, the stronger your mental muscles become. Remember, the “What If” monster doesn’t have control over you. With “So What?” and positive thinking, you can transform it into a tool for success.

Your Call to Action

Go out there and conquer your day with a positive mindset! Let me know in the comments below: what’s your favorite positive “What If” to chase down?