What if thinking often leads to catastrophizing. Once in the catastrophizing cycle it can be crippling and the anxiety that is felt from it can be unbearable. Thankfully, there are ways out of this cycle of thinking. One way is to turn the what ifs into even ifs. Let’s start by defining what each equal.
What Ifs = A lack of trust in yourself and in your able to overcome. It often leads to a heighten sense of anxiety.
Even Ifs = Faith in yourself and in your able to overcome. It leads to a decreased sense of anxiety and an increase in confidence.
Here is how it works:
What if my mind goes blank during testing? I will never get into the college I want to go to.
What if I have a panic attack at the store? People will think I am crazy.
What if I lose my job? Then I cannot pay my bills and I will have to live out on the streets.
VS.
Even if my mind goes blank during testing, I will be ok because I studied for this test.
Even if I have a panic attack at the store, I have the coping skills to get through it.
Even if I lose my job, I have the ability to find a new job.
It is amazing how exchanging one word for another can dramatically change a person’s attitude and perception for the positive. Take this new tool and try it today.
Written By:
Reid Wood, MA, LPC