The “What If?” Thought Process

When I first dreamed of launching my business, my mind was full of what ifs.
What if I fail? What if no one signs up? What if I’m not ready?
Each question carried the weight of fear — not just of failure, but of being seen trying and not succeeding. Those words looped endlessly in my mind, convincing me that waiting until I felt “more prepared” was safer. But what I’ve learned since then is that waiting for certainty is just another form of self-doubt. Certainty rarely arrives before action. It grows because of it.

In the early stages of Soulful Strides, I spent months second-guessing myself. I would rewrite my website copy a hundred times, compare myself to other coaches, and question if I had enough experience to make a real impact. The what ifs became a chorus of hesitation — protecting me from risk, but also holding me back from the growth I deeply wanted.

Then one day, I caught myself mid-thought. I realized that “What if I fail?” and “What if I fly?” take the same amount of energy to imagine — yet lead to completely different realities. That moment changed everything. I didn’t suddenly stop doubting myself, but I started talking back to the doubt. I began asking questions that expanded possibility instead of reinforcing fear.

What if I help one person today? What if I learn something that makes me better? What if this is exactly what I’m meant to be doing?

Those new “what ifs” were softer, kinder, and rooted in curiosity rather than control. They helped me show up, even when I felt scared or uncertain. And with every imperfect post, every vulnerable conversation, and every client breakthrough, I started to see that confidence isn’t the absence of doubt — it’s the choice to keep going despite it.

As my business grew, my what ifs evolved again. They became less about proving myself and more about vision.
What if I could reach more people with this message? What if I could lead in a way that inspires others to trust themselves too? What if I built something that lasts?
That’s the beauty of the “what if” thought process — it mirrors where you are in your journey. In the beginning, it reflects your fears. Over time, it reflects your faith.

Now, when doubt still visits — because it always does — I take a breath and remind myself: Every big dream starts with uncertainty. The question isn’t whether I’ll have “what if” thoughts, but which version I’ll listen to.

The “what if” thought process hasn’t disappeared from my life — it’s simply evolved from being a voice of fear into a spark of possibility. It’s become a reminder that I don’t need to know how everything will unfold to believe in what’s possible. Each time I choose the braver “what if,” I strengthen my trust — in myself, my purpose, and the journey that’s still unfolding.

So now, instead of What if I fail?, I ask, What if this becomes everything I’ve been working toward? Because that’s the power of reframing your thoughts — the story you tell yourself becomes the direction you move toward.

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