What’s the Best That Could Happen?

Embracing Possibility Over Fear

Most of us have been conditioned to use the default brain setting of “What’s the worst that could happen?” This can be useful as a form of “mental armor”, protecting us from disappointment and despair.

This mindset has been especially prominent during times of uncertainty, like before recent elections, where people often worried about what could go wrong and braced themselves for the fallout. This type of thinking seems like it could help us prepare for life’s uncertainties by imagining the “worst-case scenario” and then planning accordingly.

But this kind of thinking places our attention squarely on our fears, the very things we want to avoid. And, as we all know, what we focus on tends to grow. This isn’t just sentiment—it’s backed by cognitive science. When we continually focus on our fears, we activate the brain’s threat-detection system, making it more likely that we’ll feel stressed, anxious, and defensive.

Our brains are wired to protect us from perceived threats, and focusing on worst-case scenarios activates a cycle of heightened alertness that can actually make us more vulnerable to feeling threatened. By asking “What’s the worst that could happen?” we’re subtly attracting scenarios where our worst fears seem more likely.

Shifting the Focus to What’s the Best That Could Happen?

So, what if we flipped the question and asked, “What’s the best that could happen?” What if, instead of imagining every possible way things could go wrong, we intentionally visualize everything going right? This question invites us to focus on possibilities, dreams, and aspirations rather than anxieties. Instead of focusing on failures, it asks us to imagine success.

When we shift our mental focus in this way, we open ourselves to a different kind of energy. Having a mindset of optimism and possibility can alter our decision-making, leading us to take chances and pursue opportunities that fear might have otherwise held us back from.

By placing our attention on our hopes and dreams, we give them a greater chance of materializing. Just as focusing on fears can make them seem more real, focusing on aspirations can make them feel more achievable.

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The Science Behind Positive Visualization

Positive visualization, the practice of picturing the best outcome, has long been a cornerstone of performance psychology. Athletes, performers, and even successful business professionals use visualization techniques to prime their minds for success.

The science behind it suggests that when we imagine ourselves succeeding, our brains can not easily tell the difference between visualization and reality. This mental practice actually builds neural pathways that can help us perform better and make our desired outcomes more likely.

Consider athletes who “see” themselves crossing the finish line or landing the perfect jump. Studies show that this type of mental rehearsal strengthens the brain’s connections related to that skill.

In everyday life, this means that by focusing on the best that could happen we can build a mental framework that better equips us to handle situations confidently and resiliently. Asking “What’s the best that could happen?” primes our brains to look for paths to success rather than pitfalls to avoid.

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Breaking Free from Negative Bias

The human brain has a natural “negativity bias,” meaning we’re hardwired to focus on negative experiences more than positive ones. This was likely an evolutionary advantage, helping our ancestors survive by staying alert to potential dangers. But in today’s world, this bias often manifests as overthinking, worry, and doubt, holding us back more than it helps.

One way to counteract this bias is by actively choosing to ask positive questions. By regularly practicing a “What’s the best that could happen?” mindset, we can train our brains to feel more comfortable with hope and less reliant on fear. This doesn’t mean ignoring challenges or pretending risks don’t exist. Rather, it’s about creating a balance that allows us to make thoughtful choices without the constant weight of anxiety. It’s reconditioning our minds to embrace possibility.

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Practical Steps to Apply “What’s the Best That Could Happen?”

1) Catch Yourself in the Act: The next time you catch yourself spiraling into “What’s the worst that could happen?” territory, pause and shift gears. Make a conscious decision to ask yourself about the best possible outcome.

2) Visualize Success Daily: Take a few moments each day to imagine the best possible outcomes for your current goals or projects. How would it feel to achieve them? What steps could lead you there?

3) Practice Affirmations: Simple affirmations like “I am open to success,” or “I welcome positive possibilities” can reinforce this mindset shift. Writing these affirmations down or saying them out loud can deepen their impact.

4) Surround Yourself with Positivity: Engage with people and environments that support your growth and encourage optimism. This can include reading uplifting books, joining supportive communities, or spending time with individuals who inspire you.

5) Celebrate Small Wins: Notice and celebrate every small step towards your goal. Focusing on these “mini-successes” can boost your confidence and reinforce the “best-case scenario” mindset.

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The Ripple Effect

When we adopt a “What’s the best that could happen?” approach, we’re not only benefiting ourselves. This outlook can have a ripple effect on others, inspiring them to also think more hopefully. By shifting our perspective, we may become a source of encouragement for colleagues, friends, and family.

By focusing on the best possible outcomes, we’re setting a different tone for our lives. Instead of moving through life with the brakes on, bracing ourselves for the next disaster, we move forward with a sense of excitement and curiosity. Instead of feeling trapped by fear, we’re empowered by possibility.

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Embracing Infinite Possibilities

When we choose to focus on the best that could happen, we’re not only visualizing a single outcome but inviting a universe of possibilities that go beyond our current understanding. By aligning our thoughts with hope and optimism, we open ourselves up to new avenues and opportunities that we might not have considered. This mindset allows us to break free from rigid expectations and trust that the universe has far more in store for us than we can see from our limited vantage point.

Shifting to “What’s the best that could happen?” can be thought of as a practice in allowing. Rather than trying to control every detail or anticipate every outcome, we allow for serendipity and unexpected blessings.

Opportunities often arise in forms we didn’t anticipate. Perhaps it’s a chance meeting with someone who offers guidance, or a solution that appears just when we need it most. When we remain open, we allow the flow of life to carry us to places we may not have imagined but that can serve our highest good.

This openness to infinite possibilities aligns with the idea that our lives are interconnected with forces beyond our immediate awareness. Some may call it intuition, others divine guidance, and still others quantum thinking. But whatever name it takes, this force often brings gifts and opportunities that resonate deeply with our true desires.

Instead of clinging to one specific vision of success, we allow for flexibility, knowing that the universe may have an even greater plan in mind.

So as we shift our focus from fear to possibility, we’re not only inviting in the best-case scenario but tapping into a field of infinite potential. We’re affirming our faith in the abundance and wisdom of the universe, knowing that when we open our hearts and minds to the best that could happen, we create space for life’s magic to unfold.

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In Conclusion:

This perspective isn’t about passive wishful thinking; it’s about cultivating proactive optimism that keeps us alert to life’s subtle invitations. Asking “What’s the best that could happen?” is a practical approach to life. By shifting our focus from fear to possibility, we open ourselves to new opportunities, we feel more resilient, and we cultivate a mindset that’s ready to embrace whatever life brings our way.

You can choose to live more in alignment with your goals, aspirations, and dreams rather than your anxieties. So the next time you’re faced with a challenge or a decision, take a moment to pause, breathe, and ask yourself: What’s the best that could happen?

If you want to read more about this kind of thinking here are two books to check out:

“Do You QuantumThink?: New Thinking That Will Rock Your World“ by Diane Collins

“Consciousness is All There Is” by Dr. Tony Nader

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jeannette Koczela, a certified Entrepreneur and Business Coach, is the Founder/ President of the International Association of Professional Life Coaches?, an online life coach directory and professional organization supporting life coaches with monthly marketing training and online promotion. She helps new life coaches save hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars, by providing curated business training for starting and running a profitable coaching business, for just $47 a month. Find out more at: https://iaplifecoaches.org/membership

Are you a coach who would like to have a step-by-step plan for a profitable business? Download the free “Coaching Business Blueprint: The 7 Essential Components To Create a Profitable Coaching Business”, and get weekly tips, strategies, and guidance on how to create a thriving coaching business, at https://iaplifecoaches.org/blueprint