When Worst Case Scenario Becomes a Way of Life

There is enough going on in the world that could — and does — have people thinking about the worst that could happen to them. Whenever I hear “worst case scenario” being tossed around it only seems to bring fear and worry to the surface of any conversation.

It has me thinking: What does worst case scenario really mean, and why do we go there so often?

Let me break it down for you.

Some people seem to need a “just in case” plan, something that can help them feel they’ll be able to survive the worst, whatever that may look like for them. They use logic and reason to make the plan and move on with a sense of control and security should that thing actually happen.

I call this a Sensible Case Scenario. You might do emergency planning in case of a fire or hurricane, such as storing extra supplies or putting key documents in a safety deposit box. You might have a plan for financial security, like putting 4–6 months of income into a savings account so you can still pay your bills if you are ever out of a job.

These people realize that you can’t control everything that’s happening in the world, but you do what you can for yourself with the sense that it’s always possible for things to turn out the way you want them to.

What is a worst case scenario?

Worst case scenarios cause many people to over-focus on problems as they imagine…well, the worst.

I call it Worst Case Scenario Syndrome because a syndrome is a set of thoughts and emotions that forms an unhealthy pattern of behavior. I often see this in my work with clients — where a pattern of thinking takes hold and paints a broad brush across all of life.

Worst Case Scenario Syndrome is a form of thinking based in fear and worry. It focuses on potential danger as you look for what could go wrong, scan for threats, and anticipate the unknown future with the worst possible vision or expectation.

It’s survival thinking at its most unhealthy level because it leaves very little room for thinking of a positive vision in the future or about what’s possible in the present that’s good.

Thinking about worst case scenarios keeps you in emergency mode, produces stress hormones, and points you in the direction of distress and disease.

You know you have Worst Case Scenario Syndrome when the more you think about a potential problem, danger or threat, the more stress you create with your thoughts. You can feel that fear and worry in your body: anxiety, sweaty palms, racing heart, raised blood pressure — the physical sensations of danger — all because of your thoughts.

And that’s not where you want to be.

There is another option…

Wow, maybe the sky isn’t going to fall today.

Just as you think of worst case scenarios, you also have the ability to think about what I call Best Case Scenarios.

This doesn’t mean being off in the clouds dreaming of the best outcomes that could never happen. It means having some optimism and looking at the realistic possibilities but also stretching beyond your old ways of thinking.

Just for the fun of it, try thinking about a best case scenario and feel the effects of that.

Start by asking yourself what might a best case scenario look like in one of these areas of your life:

• Health
• Finances
• Relationships

Explore some options and how they feel.

Let’s say your relationship with your family isn’t at all what you hoped it would be. Every time you have to be with them, it turns out bad and you feel terrible. That’s the worst case scenario when you have to be with them — leaving you feeling angry, stressed, and frustrated every single time. It’s what you know, fear, and expect.

Now experiment with what a Best Case Scenario mindset would be like. Let’s say Grandpa’s birthday party is coming up soon and all those relatives will be there. As usual, they won’t have anything special planned, the cake will be boring, and everyone will just sit around and gossip and complain.

Now, stretch your thinking and imagine a different scenario: Someone brings games and activities that get everyone excited, they stop complaining because they’re doing something fun, and everyone has a good time. And your beloved Grandpa is elated.

The powerful thing about Best Case Scenarios is that they can happen when we change our expectations and do something different instead of thinking about a worst case scenario. For example, you could plan a game for the party, bring a gift for the host, bake cupcakes to be decorated, etc., and just see what happens.

Each small shift in thinking can break through Worst Case Scenario Syndrome.

You have the ability to choose patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that will be healthier for you. When you do, it will change your brain, your focus — and possibly your life!

Your brain doesn’t know the difference if you did something or just thought about doing it, so imagine Best Case Scenarios and start to feel more joy, abundance, love, gratitude, fun, celebration, and appreciation for being alive.