What is the worst case scenario?

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to make a decision but couldn't because your mind kept asking "what if...?"

• “What will others think if I change my career path?”
• “What will happen to my career if I move to another country?”
• “What if I sign up for this course and don't like it?”
• “What if I study hard and still don't pass this exam?”
• “What if I regret it?"
• ...

I have been in these situations! Countless times in my life, several times a week even!

Yes, this is a thinking pattern more characteristic of people with anxiety, but not exclusive to them.

We, the anxious ones, think, rethink, evaluate scenarios, become insecure, think again, reevaluate. And sometimes, even after all that, we can't make a decision or if we do make a decision, we still become insecure about that decision.

It's the famous feeling of WORRYING, so characteristic of anxiety.

One technique that seems simple, but helps me a lot when I'm in these situations is to think: "What is the worst that can happen?"

It seems simple, but it's effective!

Why? Because when we verbalize (or write down) our worst possible scenario, we realize that most of the time, the worst-case scenario is manageable and can be fixed.

And when we realize that the worst-case scenario is manageable, it becomes easier for us to be flexible and to have greater acceptance if it does indeed happen.

Try it with small decisions first and then risk it on bigger decisions.

Sometimes it helps to share with someone - with a friend or family member.

In fact, in the series "This is Us" (one of my all-time favorites! ??), we see Randall and Beth using this technique between them. Have you seen it?

Let me know if you've ever used this technique. And if you have ever tried doing it with your family or friends?