How Using the Hypothetical Can Improve Your Life

In the outer world, chaos and fear can sometimes feel overwhelming. It’s all too easy to burrow inside of our comfort zones when this happens.

But often, this becomes a problem. Without realizing it, we look at the same news outlets, engage in the same habits, and talk with the same people. We begin only half living…as thought on auto-pilot.

There are two larger problems to this. First, when you live in such a small space, you begin to fear the outside world and anything that is different from you. Since you no longer expose yourself to much, everything seems like a possible threat or nuisance.

Second, by never branching out you also seize to grow. Growth and progress are what we're wired for, and if we stop doing that, we lose a fundamental part of our happiness.

Have you ever felt like you were stuck in a rut? It’s awful and this is why! You are wired to grow!

But, how do we counteract the strong desire to do the same old thing? How do force ourselves out of the shell?

With the "what if" game – or intentionally putting ourselves in hypothetical situations.

I love this idea or "game" because it helps you reflect without the usual mind constraints you give yourself around your goals. It leaves no room for excuses and also helps you think outside the box.

Try it with the following questions. You can do them with a loved one or journal them as well. And here's a whole list of what if questions in life to connect with others and help you continue reflecting.

• What if your business doubled in the next 6 months? How would that happen?
• What if you checked one thing off of your bucket list this week?
• What you lived somewhere else?
• What kind of a parent would you want to be?
• What if you took phenomenal care of yourself today? What would that look like?
• What if you had an extra hour in your day? What would you do?
• What if you did something today that made you nervous but also excited? What would it be?
• How would you feel if you decided on a different career?
• What if one important relationship was 10x better?
• What if you could take a trip tomorrow?
• What if you could achieve any dream you wanted to?
• What if you had a million dollars but only 10 years to live? What would you do?
• How would your life look if you changed one key habit today?

In Conclusion

So, what if you looked at things in a new way? It may just be the thing you need to double your income or deepen your connection with someone you love. If you're feeling stuck lately, start thinking about hypothetical questions. Too often we get stuck on the limits of our vision, but so much is out there if we only believe that it’s possible.

Jenn writes at her blog healthyhappyimpactful.com. She’s a mom of three looking to learn and grow. Check it out if you love helpful tips on health, family, and personal growth.