What If? Why Not?
Randall Doizaki
CEO Doizaki on Leadership LLC, Leadership speaker/trainer and coach. A leader in service to others. VP of national chapters, Warrior Rescue (501c3 non-profit).
Unlocking Growth and Leadership Through Action
Randall Doizaki
Owner/CEO Doizaki on Leadership?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
VP National Chapters, Warrior Rescue
Why Not… Embrace Risk for Growth?
Risk is a significant part of leadership, but it is also a key driver of growth and innovation. Asking "Why not?" instead of "What if?" shifts your focus from fear to opportunity. It invites you to take a leap, even when the outcome is uncertain. By embracing risk, leaders position themselves at the forefront of change, innovation, and progress.
Leaders who regularly ask themselves "Why not?" challenge the status quo. They do not settle for the safe path; they push boundaries, encourage creativity, and inspire others to think beyond the obvious. They know that real growth often comes from stepping outside their comfort zones. What would you do differently today if you replaced your doubts with "Why not?" What risks are worth taking for the sake of progress?
Why Not… Prioritize Personal Development?
Leadership begins with personal growth, yet many of us hesitate to invest in ourselves. We delay, waiting for the perfect moment, wondering "What if?" But growth does not happen in comfort zones. Asking "Why not?" can prompt you to seize opportunities for learning and development. Why not sign up for that course, seek mentorship, or start a new project? Why not take steps today that could transform your tomorrow?
The "Why not?" mindset encourages a proactive approach to development. For instance, adopting the thinking "orange" method—a balanced approach that encourages reflection before action—aligns perfectly with asking "Why not?" It combines thoughtful decision-making with a readiness to embrace new experiences. The question "Why not?" helps you break free from hesitation and open the door to possibilities that drive your growth and effectiveness as a leader.
Why Not… Take Action Now Instead of Wondering Later?
Too often, we are paralyzed by fear—fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of the unknown. But the most successful leaders are those who ask "Why not?" and act. They understand that the greatest risk lies in doing nothing, in letting opportunities pass by, and in being left with the haunting "What if?" years down the road.
Consider the value of brevity in communication as a leadership skill—using "5 words or less" to spark meaningful conversations. Simple phrases like "Great artwork on the wall," or "Looking forward to the game?" can open doors to deeper connections. These small steps start with a "Why not?" mindset—an approach that sees potential in every interaction, no matter how brief or simple. In leadership, less can truly be more.
What If? Why Not? —Confronting Fear of Failure and Rejection
Fear of failure and rejection can be powerful forces that prevent us from realizing our full potential. They hold us back from taking risks, from asking the bold questions, from developing our true potential as leaders. However, when you frame your fears with "Why not?" you push yourself to see beyond them. You shift the narrative from "What could go wrong?" to "What will be the positive outcome?"
Dealing with the Fear of "What If?"
Many of us fail ourselves when we look back and think, "What if, I should have, I could have, I would have." The pain of these regrets can weigh heavily, often more than the pain of any failure itself. Every leader faces moments of self-doubt—those inner battles between "What if I fail?" and "Why not try anyway?" By choosing to ask, "Why not?" you challenge the fear, turning it into a motivator rather than an obstacle. You replace hesitation with action, uncertainty with purpose, and fear with curiosity.
When you fear failure or rejection, recognize that these emotions are natural, but they do not have to be paralyzing. By asking "Why not?" you open yourself to so many unknown possibilities and you create momentum that drives you forward. You position yourself as a leader who is willing to take risks, learn from mistakes, and grow from every experience.
领英推荐
A Personal "Why Not?" Moment, having an article published.
When I considered writing an article for the FBI-LEEDA Insighter Magazine, I found myself hesitating. The piece, “Leadership in Law Enforcement: The Necessity of Cross-Training Officers with School Safety Personnel for Critical Incident Response,” was an idea I felt passionate about, yet I was not sure if it would meet the publication's expectations. I almost did not write or submit it. But then I asked myself, "Why not?" and considered the cost of wondering "What if?" later. That moment of decision opened a door; the article was accepted for publication. Reflecting on this, I realized how easily this opportunity could have slipped away—because of doubt, fear, and the comfort of inaction. The article was accepted and will be published in their upcoming edition.
What if I had let the fear of rejection overcome me? The article would never have been submitted.
This experience made me think: How often do we allow fear of failure or rejection to hold us back? How many opportunities do we miss because we are too focused on the "What ifs?" instead of asking, "Why not?" Consider how shifting our mindset from "What if?" to "Why not?" can transform our leadership, personal growth, and professional development.
Why Not… Set the Example for Others?
As a leader, every action you take sets an example for those around you. When you confront fear, take calculated risks, and choose courage over comfort, you model the kind of behavior you want to see in your team. By embracing the "Why not?" mindset, you create a culture of innovation, resilience, and continuous improvement. You show your team that it is okay to fail, to make mistakes, and to try again.
Think of your role not just as a leader but as a mentor and a guide. When you demonstrate a willingness to ask "Why not?" in your own decisions, you encourage your team members to do the same. You empower them to take ownership of their growth, to seek out opportunities, and to embrace challenges with confidence.
Three Steps to Apply the "Why Not?" Mindset in Leadership:
Embracing "What If?" and "Why Not?" Together
In leadership, both "What if?" and "Why not?" are essential questions. "What if?" allows us to assess risks and consider possibilities, but it can also paralyze us with fear. "Why not?" shifts us from contemplation to action, from doubt to decision. As a leader, your role is to balance these questions—to use "What if?" for thoughtful analysis and "Why not?" for courageous action.
When I asked myself "Why not?" about writing that article for the FBI-LEEDA Insighter Magazine, I chose to face my fears and take a chance. The outcome was a success, but more importantly, it was a lesson in the power of this mindset. It reminded me that we miss out on so much when we allow "What if?" to dominate our decisions. What would have been missed if I had not written the article? How can I help others learn and grow if I had not submitted the article?
Conclusion: Why Not Start Today?
Adopting a "Why not?" mindset is not just about taking risks—it is about embracing growth, setting an example, and confronting your fears with courage. It is about recognizing that failure and rejection are not the end; they are steps toward success. By asking "Why not?" you open the door to new opportunities, inspire your team to take bold steps, and become a leader who drives change and innovation.
So, why not start now? Why not take that leap? The path to growth, opportunity, and leadership awaits—if you only dare to ask.
Randall
?