What if? These two words strung together have the ability to unlock the imagination, steer a new direction and open doors. Akin to open sesame, what if can be the best thing you ask yourself. For those of you who have worked with me, you know that these two words will precede many of the questions I ask: what if you thought this, what if you tried it this way, what if you gave yourself a break, what if it did work out.
These two words have been the starting point for every choice, decision and action you've taken. It all began when you bolstered your courage and gave yourself permission to dream, ponder and visualize your relationships, choices, boundaries, career and direction in a new way.
What if you could be anything, or anybody, you chose to be? Think about it. What would you choose to be?”
~Nido Qubein
WHAT IF I DO?
What if you viewed using this question as a brainstorming session? With nothing laughed at or invalid? All ideas and options will be considered, and you'll thoughtfully contemplate the impact of the answers to your musings. Innovation is born from what if, and many an invention, new company or product was created as a result of a person pondering, what if.
This is how you innovative your life; reinventing yourself, and embracing the moment and the potential in each day. Often, brainstorming is nixed because of the doubt, fear, insecurities and the hurdles, which can seem insurmountable and numerous. What if by allowing your mind to wander, you wander straight into a solution?
“Surely there is grandeur in knowing that in the realm of thought, at least, you are without a chain; that you have the right to explore all heights and depth; that there are no walls nor fences, nor prohibited places, nor sacred corners in all the vast expanse of thought...”
~ Robert Green Ingersoll quotes
WHAT IF I DON’T?
What if when you ask yourself this question you imagine the worst? This question is meant to source out information and to explore, so if you find yourself listing every possible negative outcome, dooming the idea before it starts and closing the doors, then you know the question has worked brilliantly - again. It's revealing to you, the subconscious thoughts you need to change, the actions you need to take or the support you need to get. Ask, what if you didn't listen to the doubts, and continue to use the question until options are found. What if the answer is just one more, what if, away?
BE AN EXPLORER
What if by employing this question you could knock down the limitations and begin to create new possibilities? In order to live a better life, ask yourself better questions. This is the foundation of the coaching relationship - powerful questions to elicit thoughtful consideration and create awareness. You can do this every day. Every day what if begs for options, screams possibilities and softens the commitment. It's just exploring. Exploration leads to growth and reveals a new landscape. By asking this of yourself you're continually encouraging your subconscious to be on the lookout for life changing ideas, propelling you toward your vision. You're also urging the subconscious to reveal the blocks in the way. This question's usefulness is literally unlimited. What if I believed this? What if I ate that? What if I went back to school, quit my job, forgave my friend, forgave myself, moved, stayed put, volunteered, accepted help, believed in the goodness of people, smiled more, frowned less, talked less, listened more, took singing lessons, wrote the book, said no, said yes, took a risk, played it safe?
What if I viewed myself as an explorer, a pioneer and an inventor? What if I knew that I was shaping my life by the questions I asked myself?