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Are you WHAT-IFing too much?

by TNT011
3 replies
What if the client doesn't like my work?
What if I don't get paid?
What if I don't have enough work this year?
What if this? What if that?

Have you ever been trapped in the what-if-zone? Are you "what-ifing" just like me?

I know what you gonna say. Think positive! What if should be forbidden words in your vocabulary! Don't do this to yourself! OK, I get it, but sometimes I'm totally helpless when it comes to what-ifing.

One of my friends gave me an advice. For every what-if-BAD there has to be what-if-GOOD.

What if the client likes my work? That would be great, he may order some more work.
What if I get paid by Friday? I will have a great weekend.
What if I have more work than planned this year? I will be able to travel more than expected.

This is a great strategy, but to be quite honest about it, I have to admit, it doesn't work every time. It turns out that what-if-BAD is much stronger that what-if-GOOD. And, I'm back at the beginning of this what if vicious circle.

How do you fight against what-ifing? Do you say what if at all? Share your thoughts please.
#whatifing
  • Profile picture of the author adamcurran
    I'm a big believer that you get back what you put out there. If you're always looking for the bad then that's what you'll find, if you don't consider that and you're constantly searching for the good, then that's what you'll get.
    I think that far too many people focus on the WHAT IF bad and it tends to paralyse them, it can be very detrimental both personally and professionally.
    I recently had an idea and was excited to share it with a close friend, so I talked them through it and once I'd finished they replied 'what if it doesn't work?' 'It will' I told them. And I meant it.
    Because if it doesn't work the way I think it will, then I'll find another way. I'll make adjustments, I'll learn new skills and I'll do whatever it takes to get the right outcome.

    Had I have been focussed on the 'what if' bad I wouldn't have even got to the point of telling someone about it because there are a LOT of things that could go wrong before I get to the end product.

    The way I look at it is like this - when the idea's in your head, you need to reverse engineer the process - take it step by step backwards and there's no doubt you won't end up with the finished product. NONE.

    Great post, I couldn't agree more that WHAT IF is no good!
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    • Profile picture of the author TNT011
      Great points. Totally, totally agree. This negative magnetism if I can call that way is so true. Yet, I am helpless and I am totally honest about it. Like your way of thinking. Will keep an eye on your posts and comments. Cheers!
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  • Profile picture of the author Shana Walters
    Originally Posted by TNT011 View Post

    What if the client doesn't like my work?
    What if I don't get paid?
    What if I don't have enough work this year?
    What if this? What if that?

    Have you ever been trapped in the what-if-zone? Are you "what-ifing" just like me?

    I know what you gonna say. Think positive! What if should be forbidden words in your vocabulary! Don't do this to yourself! OK, I get it, but sometimes I'm totally helpless when it comes to what-ifing.

    One of my friends gave me an advice. For every what-if-BAD there has to be what-if-GOOD.

    What if the client likes my work? That would be great, he may order some more work.
    What if I get paid by Friday? I will have a great weekend.
    What if I have more work than planned this year? I will be able to travel more than expected.

    This is a great strategy, but to be quite honest about it, I have to admit, it doesn't work every time. It turns out that what-if-BAD is much stronger that what-if-GOOD. And, I'm back at the beginning of this what if vicious circle.

    How do you fight against what-ifing? Do you say what if at all? Share your thoughts please.
    What if can also be used in a positive fashion.

    What if my clients love my work so much they refer new clients to me?
    What if my clients pay me a bonus for a great job done without me asking for it?
    What if I get so much work that I am booked out until December next year?

    It all depends on how you want to look at it.

    Gorgeous Lucky Bitch,
    Shana Jahsinta Walters.
    Signature
    Write until my fingers fall off. LOL!!!
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