I remember a conversation I had with a former colleague a few years ago regarding a job opportunity she was hopeful for. On paper, it looked promising: the interviewer was extremely impressed. But she didn’t want to get her hopes up. She felt that by not allowing herself to feel optimistic, the possible letdown would hurt less.

Truth be told, many of us have felt that way at some point in our lives. We downplay the excitement in an effort to minimize the perceived negative outcome. It starts with a few back- to- back disappointments then before long it becomes a part of us.

I found this simple reversal of thought to be effective. Mind you, it didn’t happen right away, but eventually it became a habit and has helped me have a more positive attitude about my life in general.

“What if I don’t get job?”

What if you do?

“What if I don’t ever have children?”

What if you do?

“What if my situation doesn’t change?”

What if it does?

And on it goes….