What If?

Photo by Susiebloom

"What if?" is the birthplace of possibility and possibility is oxygen for optimism, breathing life into myriad options and opportunities if we believe and act. "What if?" isn't just any old question either. According to John Hittler of Forbes Coaches Council, in his article, "The Genius Of Asking 'What If?' Questions," the right "questions literally open up (and close) pathways in your brain. Like an itch, questions need to be scratched. When a great question is posed...the brain races to answer it." He further states that, "with a normal question, your brain quickly and transparently uses previous information, data or situational experiences to concoct an acceptable answer." However, "With a 'what if?' question, your brain usually holds no previous precedent, paradigm or example to rely upon for an acceptable answer, so the answer heads to a different area of the brain...'what if?' questions force us to imagine or create." He suggest the following two questions as an example:

• "Where are we going on vacation this year?"

• "What if we enjoyed our best vacation ever this year?"

  
  

  With the first, the mind immediately conjures up options like a traditional family meeting place or a favorite vacation spot and that's just fine, of course. However, with the second, there's a new mandate of "best ever!" by attaching "what if?"

  
  
  
  

Asking "What if?" opens up all sorts of possibilities. Let your imagination kick into high gear. "What if?" begs you to think outside the box. If the pessimistic part of your mind tries to put a stop to your optimistic reveries, put those thoughts in a box, label it "Do NOT open!" and shove it into a dark corner. Then get back to "what ifing!"

Will you do something for me? When you're done reading the next few lines come back to this one and do what I've asked you to. Ready? Close your eyes. Please. ;) Relax your shoulders. Take a couple of deep breaths and clear as many thoughts from your mind that you can. Tune everything out, so you can tune in. Tune into your heart. In fact, put your hands over it. Feel it beating. Sit in that space for a moment. Now ask the question. "What if?" Keep asking it, out loud if it helps. "What if?" What do you want to attach to that? Push beyond boundaries that inhibit your optimism and creativity. "What if?" What do you dream about? What would you love to see come to pass or pass away? Is there something you want to learn? What sits in your heart, peeks at you from around the corner, tugs at your subconscious, or is a bold neon sign in your brain? What if you answer and then act on the response?

In the article, "'What If?' Questions," by Kent Julian, he asserts that, "the basic principle behind asking 'What If' questions is that they change your perspective. They help you consider alternative scenarios." He suggests that "'What If' questions do two things - provide and protect." For example, "What if I took that new leadership challenge?" or 'What if I spoke up in the meeting today?" Such questions provide opportunities, inspire us, to learn, grow, and develop. Other questions may offer protection, such as, "What if I continue down this destructive path?" or "What if I ignore that important request?" So, which "What if?" will you ask?

Fostering the belief that life holds boundless potential, even in uncomfortable, uncertain, or challenging times we can be hopeful. Hope fuels the human spirit. It keeps us moving forward. It helps us cope with stress and setbacks. It can help us press past our fear with determination and perseverance. Hope is a light in dark times, a force that helps us overcome obstacles and imagine something better. Nurturing this kind of optimism takes intention, practice, and consistency. If you want the plants in your garden to grow, you have to tend them. Here are a few things we can do to cultivate an optimistic outlook:

• Start and end your day with gratitude - Before you get out of bed, think of three things you're grateful for. Big or small, it sets the tone for seeing the good in the world. Before you go to bed at night, identify - even write down - three things you were grateful for from the day.

• Reframe challenges as opportunities - Instead of dwelling on setbacks (Which is super easy to do!), try to discover what can be learned from the situation or how it can help you become a stronger person.

• Limit negative input - Stay informed, but don't let bad news consume you. Be mindful of how much negativity you absorb from others or in the media.

• Celebrate small wins - Every success is a step forward. Acknowledge them and let yourself feel proud.

• Spread optimism - Encouraging others can reinforce optimism in yourself.

So, my friends and fellow bloomers, let's ask "What if?" a lot. Let's get curious and creative and use our imaginations. This life is a crucial and marvelous time of learning and growth. We are born to bloom. So, what if we keep at it? What if we keep blooming and encouraging each other in the process so that this world actually does change for the better? What if we can really do that? I believe we can. What if?