I first read this on a morning when I had woken up from sleep with several what if thoughts, playing each of them over in my mind before I rose. This should make it easier to dispel such thoughts next time. Thanks!
After reading this I realized I very rarely dwell on “if only” thoughts. Sometimes late at night or early morning when having trouble sleeping, but almost never while awake and living life. One thing that has helped with not dwelling on “if only” was my training as a fighter pilot. We examined every flight asking 3 questions: What went well? What must be improved? How would I - specifically and objectively - make that improvement happen for “next time?”
Once the specific action step for improvement in similar future events became cemented in my mind, I was always able to compartmentalize and let go of that flight. This carried over to my personal life.
I cannot say the embarrassment of certain inflight mistakes didn’t haunt me from time to time, but I rarely engaged in “if only” self dialogue.
This is the first time I’ve come across your content and loved it. Subscribed!
Thank you. I appreciate it!
I first read this on a morning when I had woken up from sleep with several what if thoughts, playing each of them over in my mind before I rose. This should make it easier to dispel such thoughts next time. Thanks!
Thank you. I hope it helps!
Very well written sir!
Thank you!
After reading this I realized I very rarely dwell on “if only” thoughts. Sometimes late at night or early morning when having trouble sleeping, but almost never while awake and living life. One thing that has helped with not dwelling on “if only” was my training as a fighter pilot. We examined every flight asking 3 questions: What went well? What must be improved? How would I - specifically and objectively - make that improvement happen for “next time?”
Once the specific action step for improvement in similar future events became cemented in my mind, I was always able to compartmentalize and let go of that flight. This carried over to my personal life.
I cannot say the embarrassment of certain inflight mistakes didn’t haunt me from time to time, but I rarely engaged in “if only” self dialogue.
I found this post very useful. Thank you.
Excellent alternative to "if only" thinking. Thank you for sharing.