I really appreciate a good worst case scenario.
There is something very satisfying about anticipating the problems that could arise before they do. Someone says, “What is the worst that could happen?” You can give them a detailed description of what that worst might include.
It is even more enjoyable when one person gives you their idea of the “worst that could happen” and you can suggest several more, even worse, possibilities they had not foreseen. “Oh, it could be much worse than that . . .”
The creativity or insight we put into our worst case scenarios is not what is most important about them. They are helpful because, based on them, we can prepare potential solutions.
Anticipating potential disasters, even competitively, is valuable only when it shows us ways to avoid those disasters.
I know people who become much more focused on the possible problems than on finding ways to resolve them. They spend their energy on measuring how insurmountable their potential challenges could become. They see the dark cloud of every silver lining.
Seeing the obstacles clearly is part of the process of working toward our goals. It is not the end result, but a step forward.
Worst case scenarios shape our overall understanding and approach. They are not about being pessimistic.
We are doing serious work. Our goals are important. It will not be easy to reach them.
We are not following a well-paved super highway to our destiny; we are blazing our own trail.
It is helpful when we can anticipate potential difficulties, or possible disasters, along the way. It makes it possible for us also to anticipate the growth, steps forward, and strength that will help us overcome them.
What is your worst case scenario?
How will you find your way past “the worst that could happen” today?
[Image by Sydney Oats]
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