What if we got it wrong?

Uncertainty in life is a given, and most of us don’t like it because it makes us uncomfortable. But why does this happen? Because

                            the "what if" road never leads to the Emerald City.

Think about it. Rarely do we ruminate over all the ways things could turn out right, or easy, or better. More often than not, subtle worry is our natural, default setting. It’s how we are wired especially as nurses who are trained to anticipate problems as part of our day-to-day work.

BUT, when we recognize this showing up outside of our professional decision making, we can choose a new course. 

Rarely do we say, "What if I have the best day of my life today?" 

or 

"What if I walked around the block every day and eventually, I could have the strength to do a 5K?"  

Instead, we "what if" about terrible things (which is never helpful). When I find myself stuck in this situation, it drains the energy not only out of me but all those who have to listen to me. 

The worst part is, being stuck in the negative “what ifs” is often insidious. They can hide in the form of statements which is particularly damaging as they seamlessly shift from questions to facts.

“What if it never gets any better?” becomes “nothing is ever going to change.”

“What if management isn’t behind me?” becomes “management doesn’t care.”

“What if I get burnt out” becomes “This is too much for me.”

When “what if” questions morph into statements, we become completely disempowered. We can misinterpret our fears as facts.

Don’t panic, it’s not a one-way street and we are all pretty smart. 

And I am 100% not interested in being disempowered.

This isn’t an invitation to start criticizing your worry (or yourself), it’s an invitation to sprinkle some fun “what ifs” into your day and just see what happens.

What if the stress of starting a new job won’t matter in 3 weeks?

What if I can get my work done without a lot of drama?

What if I can find little ways to enjoy my day despite all the obligations?

What if I can help the patient, even when they are angry and frustrated?

And if you are already stuck in a whirlwind or worry, maybe start with two gentle questions: Am I thinking about something I know for a fact to be true or something I am afraid might happen? What else could be true?

“What if” can deliver hope just as easily as it can deliver overwhelm.

What if you chose the former?

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You don't have to figure it all out on your own. If you're a nurse or healthcare professional feeling overwhelmed, stuck in your own head, or wondering how to make work feel better without walking away from a career you care about, 1:1 coaching can help you find a way forward.

Together, we can explore what's draining your energy, reconnect with what matters to you, and find practical ways to make your days feel more manageable and meaningful.

Let's start with a conversation. Reach out to schedule a free discovery call and see if coaching might be a good fit for you. Megan@NursingBeyondtheJob.com