This newsletter is a little shorter than usual. I hope you are ok with that. (you kinda have to be)
Have you ever been stuck in a problem? That’s a rhetorical question. I know you have. I just needed a quality question to start the paragraph.
Getting stuck or ruminating on a problem can be challenging because you can only see the challenge. You focus all attention on the “stuckness” which leads to the same feedback loop in the brain.
Right now in my life, there is a phrase that I’m gravitating towards. It’s expanding my outlook and elevating my creative process. Drum roll, please.
“What if…”
If this phrase sounds simple, that’s because it is. Say it…“What if…”
I can’t tell you the first time I heard this phrase nor can I draw back to one pivotal moment where this phrase opened the golden gates for me. (I wish I had one Eureka moment because that would be stellar for this newsletter but…)
While shooting this documentary, I have been trying to encourage myself to say “What if…” as a way to prompt ideas or help steer others’ ideas. Many times the ideas are shit, not too feasible, or just for a phenomenal laugh. But, every now and then those “What if’s” lead to gold.
“What if…” speaks to the idea of possibility. Possibility is a concept that is sometimes hard to see. We cling to the known and what has served us in the past. Possibility means recognizing that our current circumstances do not define our future. Quick aside - There is so much substance in the previous sentence.
So in essence, the power of possibility is the spark that ignites progress and personal growth.
When it comes to idea-generating or entertaining solutions allow yourself to dream Don’t be so rigid that your perspective is narrowed. Stonewalling ideas is the quickest way to stay stagnant and kill momentum.
John Truby, the author of The Anotomy of Story talks about “What if…” like this. “The point is to let your mind go free. Don’t censor or judge yourself. Dont ever tell yourself that any idea. Stupid ideas lead to breakthroughs.
As beautiful as “What if…” can be, it can also be a dark, axiety stricken rabit hole. “What if…” there are monsters under my bed, what if I never get a good job, what if that person is trying to rob me. Our minds create these scenarios attempting to keep us safe. Somehow predicting the future and then believing that future as a reality.
I’m a perpetual optimist, which is a blessing and a curse. For some reason I have a trust in people and see the good. Thats not to say negative “What if…” thoughts don’t pop up in my head.
I think that’s why I have fallen deeper in love with movement and mediation. Both those tools help me flush out negative thoughts that are lingering around my brainium.
So here is my offering to you. Use “What if…” Try it out. Use it in self talk and in conversations with others. Try to use it in positive light and be weary about negative rabit holes.
“What if…” you are exactly where you need to be.
“What if…” you flip the script.
“What if…” you let go and enjoy.
be well,
Fletch