What if?
Make sure you use these two words to your advantage.
If I had to sum up my mindset with just one word, it would undoubtedly be "curious."
Being naturally inquisitive, I'm always seeking to absorb the wisdom and life stories shared by wise people, particularly elders.
One recurring piece of advice that deeply resonates with me is this:
Don't dwell on the 'oh wells'; focus on the 'what ifs.'
When it comes to 'what ifs,' there are two kinds.
First, there's the exciting possibility of going on an adventure.
"What if today I booked a ticket to that country I've always wanted to visit?"
Then, there's the thinking about missed chances, which can leave you regretful when that plane is long gone and it feels like it's too late to be brave.
"What if I had booked that ticket when I was young and I had nothing to lose?"
It might feel uneasy to entertain the "what if" scenarios when confronted with opportunities for personal growth.
Yet, the slight discomfort that comes with the decision to say "screw it" and seize the opportunity is an order of magnitude better than the profound regret that is questioning "what if" on one's deathbed.
Make sure you don't wander about these when it's too late:
"What if I had gathered the courage to ask that person out?"
"What if I had pursued that ambitious project when I had the time and energy?"
"What if I had explored that country I'd only read about?"
"What if I had embraced that thrilling yet risky opportunity?"
When standing at life's crossroads, the simple act of posing the question "What if" propels you into the realm of endless possibilities.
Soon, you realize that the potential losses are minimal, and the worst-case scenario isn't as terrible as you initially thought.
This mindset has served as the key to unlocking doors in my life that I never knew existed.
Shift your focus to the endless possibilities, not the potential regrets.
More often than not, people regret things they didn't do rather than things they did do.
A grand adventure, even if it deviates from the original plan, is rarely regrettable.
However, the remorse of staying in a safe, familiar environment and not venturing into the unknown is deep and painful.
Remember, life is meant to be an enriching personal journey.
Just as one wouldn't find satisfaction in a movie or book lacking intrigue, a life optimized for safety and predictability lacks the vibrancy that makes it worth living.
What if today was the day you finally embarked on the adventure of your lifetime?
Consider this the sign you've been waiting for to finally take that leap.
Great love and respect,
Ash Lamb