Grounding Ourselves in the Midst of “What If” Thinking

What do we imagine is on the horizon? For ourselves? Our society? Our world?  

With so much turbulence in our world today, it can be easy to get caught up in imagining far-out hypotheticals (highly imaginative, unconventional scenarios) as we look toward the future. 

My thesis: It is important to take a measured approach when those far-out hypotheticals take hold of our imaginations, so we can stay grounded and alert to what is possible in the present. 

Although far-out hypotheticals may keep us motivated to achieve our goals and dreams, they aren’t necessarily helpful because they create unrealistic expectations that can make our current accomplishments, especially those not in line with our life plan, seem less worthwhile. Indulging in far-out hypotheticals distracts us from the present moment. By spending too much time considering what could be, we may neglect the realities of our current situation and fail to take necessary action in the here and now. For example, instead of brainstorming how to address a problem at your current school, you might find yourself daydreaming about what your life might look like after graduation. Ignoring the present to fantasize about a future that seems pleasant and problem-free hinders our personal and psychological growth. This kind of escapism can prevent us from facing challenges head-on and finding practical solutions. 

Furthermore, far-out hypotheticals can be a source of unnecessary anxiety. When we imagine worst-case scenarios or potential disasters that are highly unlikely, we can trigger feelings of fear that have no basis in reality.  This can lead to heightened levels of stress, ultimately detracting from our overall well-being. On the other hand, constantly imagining the many potential positive outcomes for our life could ultimately cause us to feel disappointed when we don’t accomplish everything we envisioned. By constantly comparing our lives to these illusions of perfection, we may become dissatisfied with our reality. Oftentimes, our idea of a “perfect” life relies solely on the accomplishments that align with society’s expectations; these goals often seem daunting, and even impossible, to obtain. As we struggle to measure up to these unattainable standards that we have created in our minds, feelings of disappointment and guilt arise when our performance is deemed inadequate or average.  

While there is certainly value in exploring the unknown and expanding our imaginations, it is important to strike a balance between the fantastical and the practical. Far-out hypotheticals can be fun to ponder, but they should not overshadow the importance of engaging with the present moment and addressing the challenges we face in reality. By staying focused on what is truly important right now, we can lead more fulfilling and purposeful lives.