From "What If" to "Even If": Changing How You Think

When I was 21, I stood in a room ready to give my first big presentation. I was pitching my first startup idea . I was nervous, and people whispered, “You don’t have enough experience for this.” I felt doubt creeping in. But instead of giving up, I decided to try anyway. I told myself, “Even if I fail, I’ll learn something from this.” That choice made all the difference.

What "What If" Does to You

“What if” thinking makes you scared to try new things. It’s all about fear—fear of messing up or looking silly. When I thought about applying to Oxford, some people said, “What if you don’t get in?” For a moment, I worried they were right. But then I thought, “Even if I don’t get in, I’ll learn a lot by trying.” I went for it, and the process taught me so much. Plus, I did get in!

How to Think "Even If"

1. Learn From Failing: Failing doesn’t mean you’re done. It just shows you what to do better next time.
2. Enjoy the Process: The journey can be just as important as the result. Trying something new always teaches you something.
3. Trust Yourself: Believe you can handle problems if they happen.
4. Start Small: Practice “Even if” thinking with little things to build your confidence.

Thinking “Even if” has changed my life. Now, I try new things without letting fear stop me. Whether it’s starting a project or taking a personal risk, I know I’ll grow no matter what happens. Shifting from “What if” to “Even if” can help you do the same. Take a chance. Even if things don’t go perfectly, you’ll come out stronger and ready for whatever’s next.