Embrace the Worst-Case Scenario and Start Winning

Understanding Fear of Failure

I often get a question from people or hear variations of it in my own mind. It goes something like this: How do I make sure this doesn't go wrong or fail? How can I plan if things go south? What’s my Plan B, Plan C?

Essentially, it boils down to: How do I plan for the worst-case scenario?

Another common question is: What if this is not the right way? How can I be sure I’m making the right choice and avoid failure completely?

Safety vs. Success

These are reasonable questions, right? After all, it’s natural to want to avoid failure. But here’s the paradox: having an answer to the worst-case scenario makes that scenario more likely to happen. The more you focus on what could go wrong, the more you miss out on what could go right.

Your brain’s primary function is to keep you safe. It constantly scans for potential danger and tries to avoid it. While this is great for physical survival, it’s not so great for achieving your dreams.

Your Focus Determines Your Reality

You see what you go looking for. If you’re obsessed with avoiding failure, all you’ll see are obstacles. It’s like riding a bike; if you look down at the ground, you’re more likely to fall. Instead, you should look ahead at the path.

The same principle applies to your goals. If you're constantly planning for the worst, you’re playing not to lose rather than playing to win. This mindset holds you back from seeing opportunities and bold moves that could lead to success.

The Cost of Avoiding Failure

Playing not to lose keeps you from taking bold steps. It undermines your efforts and brings you closer to failure. Ironically, the more you try to avoid failure, the more pressure you put on yourself, making it that much harder to succeed.

Imagine digging yourself into a hole; the more you try to dig your way out, the deeper you get. This is what happens when you over-prepare for the worst-case scenario. You get stuck in a cycle of fear and hesitation, rather than action and progress.

The Samurai Mindset

Samurai warriors practiced visualizing and accepting death before going into battle. By accepting the possibility of death, they freed themselves from fear, allowing them to fight fully and fearlessly. This acceptance led to better performance and a higher likelihood of victory.

By accepting failure as a plausible outcome, you free yourself from the illusion of control. Life doesn’t always turn out the way you want, and that’s okay. When you accept this, you can approach your goals with boldness and passion, moving closer to the best-case scenario.

### How to Embrace the Worst-Case Scenario:

1. Define Failure: Acknowledge what failure looks like for you, whether big or small.

2. Accept it: Come to terms with the possibility of failure. This acceptance may take time, but it leads to freedom.

3. Look for Opportunities: Stop focusing on what could go wrong. Start looking for what could go right.

4. Take Bold Steps: With the fear of failure behind you, take actions that move you closer to success.

Freedom in Acceptance

Accepting the uncertainty of life is not giving up; it’s seeing the beauty in it. When you stop fighting against the possibility of failure, you experience a level of freedom that empowers you to take bold actions.

Conclusion

Stop playing not to lose. Instead, start playing to win. This shift in mindset changes everything. By embracing the worst-case scenario, you open yourself up to greater possibilities and a higher likelihood of success.

Remember, until next time, keep choosing leadership.