The "what if" addiction...

In life, when we’re taking inventory of where we are and where we want to be - it’s only natural to consider the outcomes we’ve achieved (or didn’t) based off of decisions we’ve made (or didn’t).

In part, this line of thinking is healthy. Without considering the outcomes of our actions, we lack the ability to plan and achieve our goals or learn from missed opportunities. In therapy, it’s not uncommon to hear clients talk about the “what if’s” in their lives that both relate to their future i.e if I take this job, what if I regret it down the line - or their past i.e what if I would’ve stayed with my ex, maybe I could’ve been happier. The unfortunate consequence of this line of thinking is that it can take on a very addictive nature and lead to either A. analysis paralysis (being unable to commit to a decision or unhealthy rumination (becoming preoccupied with what could’ve been.

It’s for this reason, I generally suggest being mindful of the “what if” narrative. like anything in life, it requires balance. The goal isn’t perfection but rather to be mindful of the frequency and purpose of exploring the alternative outcomes or realities that could exist based off of the decisions we make.

If you find that you get caught up too much in the addiction of “what if” thinking, therapy can help! Don’t hesitate to reach out to Philadelphia therapist Noam Dinovitz at Noam@dinovitzcounseling.com or 484 424 7722