Memories are not always the best thing to have. We can recall some of the greatest moments of our lives, as well as our greatest regret. As we dove into the past, we can’t help to think “What if…?”
What if I’d studied harder?
What if I’d accepted that job offer?
What if I’d asked her for a date anyway?
Of course, things will be different when we choose a different option. But will it change significantly? No guarantees. Will it turn out better? Also no guarantees.
However, there is one thing we can all be sure of: every choice gives us a lesson. We can learn from both our mistakes and our successes.
While recalling about our past decisions, try to reflect: Why was that decision so wrong or right? How did that decision bring me to where I am now? What could have been the alternative? What if I had…?
“What” and “if”. Two words that seem ordinary, but together they can haunt you for only God knows how long. It can lead you to keep wondering what would have happened if you took a different path. And when your past decision has led you to an unpleasant state in the present, “what if” will overflow you with regret.
But let’s take a different view on “what if”.
On the contrary, “what if” can be beneficial. By asking yourself “what if” you can imagine an alternative choice and narrate the alternative path it would have taken. In other words, through “what if” you can discover the lesson behind your choices.
“What if” also gives you an alternative choice when you are in a decision-making situation. Sometimes we make choices by default because changes are always risky and somewhat scary.
But eventually, we all have to make a change of choice, a change of action. This is the only way we can maintain an already comfortable situation, improve it or turn a bad situation into something better.
Remember, no choice is a waste. Every choice gives us a lesson. A lesson leads us to make a better choice in the future. A better choice will lead to better actions, better changes, no matter how small.
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