Chapter 38: What if? “Our expectancies not only affect how we see reality but also affect the reality itself.” Dr. Edward E. Jones
Always expect the best! Life doesn’t always give you what
you want, but it sure gives you what you expect! Do you expect success? Or do
you spend most of your time worrying about failure? Our expectations about
ourselves and others come from our subconscious beliefs and they have an
enormous impact on our achievements. Your expectations influence your attitude
and your attitude has a lot to do with your success.
Your expectations also affect your willingness to take action and all your
interactions with others. Many of us know all this and yet most of us expect
negative outcomes when asking one of the favorite questions of the mind: the
question
“What if” . By asking it,
we are often focused on what doesn’t work: “What if it doesn’t work out?”, “What if she doesn’t go out with me?”, “What if
I don’t get the job?”, “What if I don’t get the raise?”, “What if I lose my job?”
However neither does that feel good, nor is it good to focus on what we fear.
Why not turn this around and ask yourself for every limiting or negative thought, “What if the opposite is true”?, “What if it worked out great?”,
“What if she says yes?”, “What if I get a raise?”, “What if I become a millionaire
with this idea?”, “What if I found resources?”, “What if I can make it happen?”,
“What if now is the time?”, “What if this little book helps me change my life for
real?”
The single adjustment in how you ask a question transforms you, your energy, and the answer you get. It changes your thinking and your
inner dialogue . Suddenly you start asking
what if up questions in your head, rather
than
what if down questions. The benefits of shifting your thinking will be: •
Less stress, fear, and anxiety.
• You will feel more peaceful.
• Your energy level will go up.
• It allows you to be the inventor of your own experience.
