I’m standing at a crossroads. Left will take me where I already know. Right will lead me to the unknown…which do I take?
What if I choose the wrong path? What if I’m not ready? What if I get lost? What if…..
Sound familiar? How many times have you found yourself struggling to make a decision between two options? How many ‘what if’ scenarios do you consider?
As I was approaching the path junction I considered several scenarios and weighed up all the options. I put my CBT hat on and examined each rationally. How valid were my concerns? Was there a right or a wrong path or just two different options? Was my decision final or could I change my mind when I had more information? What was the best case, most likely case and worst case scenario?
I knew the path which lead to the left. I was happy and comfortable with it. The path to the right was out of my comfort zone but it took me to where I wanted to go…but was I ready? The weather wasn’t right. I wasn’t properly rested. I wasn’t feeling very well. The odds weren’t looking great!
I went for it! Slow and steady. All of a sudden I realised I could see my destination! Months of hard work came to fruition and everything fell into place.
It made me consider, what if I had doubted my ability? What if I hadn’t believed in myself? What if I’d put it off for that elusive tomorrow? What if…..
The next time you are standing at a crossroads instead of asking yourself ‘what if it’s the wrong choice’, ask yourself ‘what if it’s the right choice.’
Written by Julia Donald, CBT Psychotherapist at Cognitive Vitality Psychotherapy Inverness.