theshitdetector

The worst-case scenario is usually not your worst-case scenario. It's only the worst-case scenario in your head. Today, I woke up with my phone line suspended because I forgot to update my ID. Additionally, my home WiFi was disconnected, leaving me unable to communicate with the rest of the world or use Google Maps to navigate. Surprisingly, my Spotify still worked, allowing me to listen to a few of my favorite trance songs offline. This made me reflect on how much thought we put into imagining scenarios that may never happen or projecting negative outcomes before they even occur. In the realm of choices, these are called “downward counterfactuals” – thoughts about the past where the outcome is worse than what actually happened. Could these counterfactuals also occur in the future about events that haven't happened yet? They manifest as “What if?” and “If only...” scenarios, contemplating how things could have turned out differently. When we think about the future, our tendency is to imagine the negative, the worst possible outcome. This can lead to stress, worry, and anxiety.

However, considering the worst-case scenario is not always detrimental, as it can prepare us for what is to come. For example, by envisioning the possibility of losing your job, the impact of climate change, or the challenges of unfamiliar tasks, you can mentally prepare yourself for those situations. You can meditate and place yourself in those scenarios. I'm not suggesting that you imagine the most horrible situations, but rather, teach yourself to be resilient. For instance, you can imagine and train yourself not to rely on your usual fancy cup of latte every morning or temporarily disconnect from your social media accounts for a few hours or even a full day. By asking “What if?” questions, you can effectively train yourself to become better equipped to handle unforeseen circumstances. You may be surprised at how you can realign yourself and develop new skills through this process.

Here are some things I have personally tried, and they worked for me. However, please note that I am not suggesting you do the same, as everyone's approach and needs may vary at different points. I will present them as “What if?” questions and then provide the outcome (although the outcome is not the goal here!)

What if I eliminated milk from my diet for a week? This led to a significant change in my diet, with over 95% of it becoming veganism until today.

What if I simplified my exercise routine to only one choice, focusing on one simple exercise? This decision led me to discover running as the simplest and most cost-effective form of exercise. Running required less time commitment, although it may not necessarily be the easiest option. Nonetheless, this newfound approach allowed me to embrace running as a practical and efficient way to stay active and maintain my fitness.

What if I lost my career as a filmmaker? Instead of pursuing a screenplay, I decided to write a book instead. This choice led to the publication of my first self-published book, which received positive reception and motivated me to continue writing. As I gained momentum, subsequent books followed, and my work even caught the attention of Publishers Weekly, resulting in a favorable review. This recognition opened up new opportunities for me in the writing industry, enabling me to further develop my writing career and achieve additional accomplishments. My filmmaking career still exists!

What if I had only one product to launch, aiming to address my own needs? By considering a minimal audience, I embarked on the journey of launching my own brand, yerbashot gummies, which became the first-ever yerba gummy supplement. This venture allowed me to cater to a niche market and fulfill a specific need, ultimately establishing my brand as a pioneer in the industry.

What if, during Covid, I learned to play an instrument instead of dwelling on the world's impending doom? This led me to learn how to play the handpan and even establish my own record label, among other accomplishments.

And so it continues.

Having access to everything all the time does not guarantee infinite happiness.

We are aware that our time on Earth is finite, which allows us to appreciate the present moment. Seneca, the Roman philosopher, believed that actively contemplating worst-case scenarios and anticipating adversity could enhance our mental and emotional preparedness to face challenges. This practice aims to foster resilience, inner strength, and a balanced perspective on life's uncertainties.

We don't have to constantly live in adversity, but we can envision certain scenarios that can help us appreciate the present moment. It is important to note that this does not mean accepting the status quo; the goal is to foster personal growth while also learning to value and live in the present.