If I Wanted To, I Would

Circumstantial change, big or small, is usually preceded by our sudden seeing of new options and possibilities.

If you’re not seeing a bunch of new possibilities everyday, here is a way to get that habit going. 

Ask, "What if?”

“What if?” That is a most useful binary exploration to reveal the possibilities in almost any situation. Here are some examples. You would need to supply the specific question for your situation: 

• What if I take that class? What if I don’t?
• What if I eat the cake? What if I don’t?
• What if I ask her to dance? What if I don’t?
• What if I say what’s on my mind? What if I don’t?
• What if introduce myself? What if I don’t?

The purpose of the exploration is to discover whether there is anything new to see. And both questions are needed. One may reveal what we want. The other may reveal what we are afraid of losing. 

If, in your mind’s eye, you see a possibility, it can happen. It might not, but it could. It depends on where you focus your quality action. Remember that sudden seeing of new possibilities can change your circumstances. But it is not guaranteed.

The difference is in the doing. 

Action is destiny. If you take intentional action that produces something close to the anticipated and desired outcome, don’t tell people you’re lucky. You’re not lucky, you’re visionary. 

Luck is fate. It is best described as collateral blessing. Someone’s action or inaction had the unplanned consequence of improving your lot. The opposite is “unluck,” which you may have heard called collateral damage. Someone’s action or inaction had the unplanned consequence of screwing you over.

Living on luck seems like a terrible way to gamble away the short pilgrimage we have on this planet. 

So, you’re back to your own vision. Your own action. Your own destiny.

Action, in pursuit of an outcome is always good. It lives on a qualitative continuum. At one end is “scattered action.” At the other end is “considered action.” Scattered action is unfocused busyness. Considered action flows from, well, consideration. Remember the “what if” exercise? Consideration means you've thought it through. 

Uncover some new possibilities today. And do something about it.