What Ifs to Even ifs

What Ifs to Even ifs
Thursday, February 1, 2024 by Joan Munro, CPLC

How many times have you thought, "What if ________happens"? What if ______doesn't happen? Adults often get caught in the What if ... trap. Beware, or as I like to suggest, Be Alert! The link from Psychology Today will help you reconsider turning negatives into positives. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/explorations-in-positive-psychology/202305/turning-what-ifs-into-why-nots

Have you ever thought about Even if? “Even if __(negative) happens, I can/will/be/may (positive)________. “Even if” recognizes a negative, but it can also empower you with new options and opportunities. Here’s a chance to grow, even when the process isn’t easy, or comfortable. How can you change from “What if... to Even if...”?

People often ask me for support, and as a Certified Professional Life and Group Mastery Coach, I offer the opportunity to take a different postion, posture and perspective! Try these three tips to grow or develop “Even ifs”...

1) Move your body’s position from seated to standing, or visa versa. Leave the room and go elsewhere in your setting, but particularly to a place of calm and serenirty. If you don’t have that, go outside and take a short walk. Shake your hands or wiggle your toes. Tilt your head to the left or right, along with eye rolls.

2) Change your posture by looking up or down, slouching, being upright, laying down or getting into a yoga or martial arts pose/stance. Sit in a different chair..softer, or more rigid. Put your feet up or down. Cross or uncross your legs. Your brain responds to the stimuli when your posture changes, helping you refocus!

3) Shift your perespective, literally. Go to a different area/room/office and consider the situation as you look at this space. Maybe even take the stairs or an elevator ride. Look out a window, observing details. Allow your mind to consider ideas and/or brainstorm alternate perspectives without judgment or fear.

By acknowledging the negatives, you can try to use these 3 P’s to switch on a positive approach of thinking, responding and feeling. It takes practice not to ruminate on all that could go wrong, so systematically practice resetting yourself to the posiibilities and options that come with “Even if”.

If you would like to know more about this approach or receive other support through coaching, pleaase contact me at www.forwardstepsinlife.com or [email protected]. Grow Through What You Go Through”

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