This question has stayed with me since the beginning of the year, so I’ve decided to take a closer look. It’s a small question, but it carries incredible power. And let’s face it - there’s no better time to ask ourselves “What if?” than at the start of a new year.
We all have limitations. For now, let’s set aside the physical ones and focus on what’s going on in our minds. Often, we operate with assumptions and beliefs that shape how we see the world and how we act.
How Our Beliefs Shape Us
Science shows that our beliefs and assumptions are heavily influenced by past experiences, cultural norms, and cognitive biases. These mental shortcuts help us make decisions, but they also create blind spots that can limit what we see as possible.
For example, our day-to-day context has a significant impact on how we perceive events. Imagine these two scenarios:
Scenario 1: You wake up feeling great, have a smooth commute, and spend the day being super productive. In the evening, your partner says, “I need to talk to you.” Your first thought? “Wow, probably something good!”
Scenario 2: You wake up with a headache, hit traffic on your way to work, and spend the day dealing with urgent, unexpected problems that demand immediate attention. That evening, your partner says, “I need to talk to you.” Your first thought? “Uh, what now?”
The statement didn’t change - but your reaction did. Why? Because the lens through which we view the world is shaped by our beliefs, emotions, and the context we find ourselves in. Recognizing this can be a game-changer.
Exploring the Power of "What If?"
Now, let’s come back to What if. For the purpose of this exercise, imagine you’re having a great day (and I hope you truly are!). Take a moment to explore these questions:
What if money wasn’t an issue?
What if you had free time to do what you love?
What if you had all the resources you needed?
When I say “resources,” I mean not just skills but also support, emotional resilience, and tools to help you succeed. What if everything you needed was already within your reach?
Now pause and reflect. What’s your answer to those questions?
Taking It a Step Further
Here’s the key: your answer needs to be tied to what you truly need and want - not what others expect of you or what you think you “should” want. This is your vision, your life project.
So, let’s take it a step further: What can you do right now to move even a little closer to that desired state?
It doesn’t have to be something big. Sometimes, the first step is as simple as:
Writing down your goal.
Reaching out to someone who inspires you.
Setting aside 10 minutes to plan.
The power of What if lies in action. Small, consistent steps add up over time. Take that first step today and experience for yourself just how powerful this question can be.
Good luck! And remember…What if your dreams really can come true?
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