What’s the Best that Could Happen?

Who hasn't heard the classic phrase, "What's the worst that could happen?!" I was no different; this was my go-to outlook when presented with any opportunity or challenge. But then a wise man challenged me to view things through a different lens.

I grew up in a small, sleepy town in upstate New York.  Don’t get me wrong, it was a great place to grow up and I wouldn’t change anything about that, yet I knew there must be more out there for me.  When it was time to go to college, I decided I was going to try something different, after all, “what’s the worst that could happen?”

I did a lot of research, studied up on colleges I thought would be a good fit, and planned on how I would get there, how I would support myself, and how I would put myself in the best position to succeed at college. The only thing was that I chose the University of Arizona, which is across the country.

I sat my Dad down to let him know about my decision and filled him in on all the details and at the end of the conversation I said, “Well, what’s the worst that could happen?”  He replied back to me, “it seems like you’ve done all the right research and have prepared and have the passion to take on this challenge so far away from home, family, and friends.”  And then he asked me a question I will never forget. “So why are you looking at this stage in your life as what’s the worst that could happen, but actually what’s the best that could happen?”

With that one statement my father, who had never left that small upstate town, changed the way I look at everything.  I have had successes and failures like everyone else, but I prefer to think in the “best.”

And that mentality has served me well ever since, which is why want to extend this question and ask you—are you looking at your choices as the best or worse that could happen? No matter how you look at it, YOU'RE in control of your attitude and outlook on life! 

If you'd like to learn more about managing our choices as leaders, be sure to check out Bobby's blog post below.