Leadership Lesson 28: Stop Worrying About What Could Go Wrong And Focus On What Could Go Right

Fear of failure often stops us before we even begin. We fixate on worst-case scenarios, imagining everything that could go wrong - yet we rarely give the same energy to what could go right. What if you ace that exam, build a thriving business, or create unforgettable memories? Both failure and success exist in the future - neither has happened yet. So why not focus on the possibilities instead of the pitfalls? Your mindset shapes your reality - choose to see the opportunities.
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Do you ever catch yourself fixating on worst-case scenarios? Are you haunted by the fear of failing an exam after a long study break, or the dread of losing your savings if you pursue your own business venture, or even the apprehension of getting into a bad accident should you start your dream of motorbiking? While it’s totally normal for our minds to conjure these dire possibilities, dwelling on them often hinders us from taking the first step forward.

Instead of allowing fears to paralyze you, why not redirect your focus towards envisioning all the positive outcomes? Imagine acing your exam with flying colors and landing your dream job, or achieving unparalleled success with your own business, reaping both financial rewards and personal fulfillment. Picture embarking on the most exhilarating road trip of your life on your bike, creating memories that will last a lifetime. While these scenarios may not have materialized yet, neither have the worst-case scenarios, and they all remain projections of potential future outcomes!

The crucial distinction lies in how you approach these situations: by succumbing to fear and dwelling on potential pitfalls, you inadvertently sabotage your own progress before you even begin! But when you shift your mindset towards optimism and embrace the myriad of positive outcomes that await you, you cultivate an environment that simply enhances your chances to succeed. Interestingly enough, our brains process events always the same way, regardless of whether we experience them in the present, remember them from the past, or project them into the future. So go create a mental space where you can channel your energy towards realizing your aspirations, rather than allowing fear to dictate your actions.

Stephan Stauffer

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