The Real Cost Of Contemplating ‘What If’ Scenarios




There is little question that our minds enjoy wandering into the territory of “what if” questions — a place of endless possibilities! A place where usually tantalizing questions are always enticing us with alternate realities: what if I win the lottery? Or, what if reality is just a simulation? Or my one-time personal favorite, what if I could time travel?

However, the big question is, are these “what ifs” really worth the mental energy we invest in them? Do they serve any meaningful role toward a more fulfilling existence, or do they merely serve as distractions from the present?

Constantly second-guessing your past choices does little more than prevent you from taking decisive actions in the present. It is much better to simply accept that the past is immutable and that we are better off focusing on what we can control today.

Fantasies induced by questions like, “What if I won the lottery?” only offer you a temporary escape from the challenges of reality. Agreed, they may be harmless in moderation, but excessive indulgence in such questions will only disconnect you from the importance of things like, hard work, dedication, and the real-life journey towards your goals.