What If It Works Out?

We spend so much time bracing for the worst. What if I fail? What if they don’t like me? What if this isn’t the right path? We play out every possible disaster in our minds, as if rehearsing disappointment will somehow soften the blow.

But what if—just for a moment—we flipped the script?

What if it works out?
What if this risk leads to something beautiful?
What if you’re more capable than you think?
What if the thing you’re afraid to start turns into the best decision you ever made?

So many of us have been conditioned to expect struggle, to view success as the exception rather than the possibility. But what if joy, ease, and good things were just as likely as setbacks?

The truth is, our brains are wired to anticipate threats—it’s called negativity bias (Baumeister et al., Review of General Psychology, 2001). We naturally focus on what could go wrong because, evolutionarily, that kept us safe. But in today’s world, that same instinct keeps us small. It stops us from taking chances, speaking up, or believing that things can actually go well.

I’m challenging myself to shift my thinking—to meet my fears with an equal dose of curiosity. To ask, What if it works out? and let myself sit with that possibility.

Because maybe it will. And maybe, just maybe, it will be better than I ever imagined.

Want to Shift Your Mindset? Here Are Three Books and TED Talks to Check Out

📖 Books to Read:

  1. The Big Leap – Gay Hendricks
    • A must-read on breaking through fear and stepping into your full potential.
  2. Everything is Figureoutable – Marie Forleo
    • A motivational and practical guide to tackling self-doubt and taking action.
  3. Daring Greatly – Brené Brown
    • A deep dive into vulnerability, fear, and why courage is the key to success.

🎥 TED Talks to Watch:

  1. "How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over" – Mel Robbins
    • A no-nonsense talk on fear, action, and why waiting for motivation is a trap.
  2. "The Power of Believing You Can Improve" – Carol Dweck
    • A brilliant talk on growth mindset and how shifting your beliefs changes everything.
  3. "What Reality Are You Creating for Yourself?" – Isaac Lidsky
    • A powerful exploration of perception, fear, and how we shape our own futures.

What’s one thing you’ve been afraid to do? And what if—just for today—you believed it could actually work out?

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