Which “What If?”

Projects, initiatives, causes and ideas all have a life span. The ultimate determinant of the life span is with those that bear them; the ones who drive the project or idea. A project or idea has no longevity apart from a champion.

One can easily be both the champion and undertaker of a dream or an idea. This happens when there are many “what ifs”. The challenge is in establishing which “what if?” to entertain.

Many have started pursued causes with great passion and gave up. When something ‘dies out’ it doesn’t necessarily mean it became irrelevant. Sometimes what sees many pursuits to their death is a change in perception.

A project or idea has no longevity apart from a champion.

When perceptions become negative the cause or idea will be perceived as such, ensuring a sure ‘death’. The reason you must pursue something is that value it will add to humanity or change lives.

What gives life and initial energy to pursuit of an idea or cause is usually how it will change things for the better. It is the possibility for change that inspires us to expend our time and energy. It is seeing how much better the world around us can be.

The supposition, “What if?” is what fuels our passion as we think about the endless possibilities borne by pursuit. We wonder how the world has survived without our idea. We get to work and then, sometimes, nothing…

“What if” is what can get us fired up at the start. When explore the same question in the face of adversity our answers can change. Instead of the hope and passion that was stirred at the beginning we can walk away with discouragement.

After asking the same question in adversity we can walk away beaten. Why? The answer is simple. The question is, “Which what if?”

One “What if?” is the one the seeks possibility. It is one that tells us that the world would be worse without our cause or idea. It is that one that sees how change can be created and how lives can be impacted for the better.

This “What if” is one that challenges to investigate why something must be done and not why it cannot be done. It is focused on the reason for doing something. It is outward looking and causes people to change lives or adds value. This “What if?” is the mother of innovation and the father of momentum.

On the other hand, the other “What if?” is a cowardly one that has never changed anything for the better. This “What if?” is not focused on why something must be done but why it cannot be done. It is focused on obstacles instead of the goals. It is inward looking and the only thing it changes for the worse is the magnitude of fear.

The second “What if?” is the momentum undertaker. It is the one the “What if?” that undermines purpose. It is the one that does not encourage innovation. It is beaten and does not look for creative ways of solving problems or going around obstacles. It is the one that will see you stagnate or regress.

Before you brainstorm or start dreaming. Before you throw in the towel… In the midst of adversity when you ask, “What if?” be sure you have carefully considered which “What if?” you have explored and are committing to. Always ask  “Which what if?”

image: pasukaru76, flickr (cc)