What If it Works?

Our tendency to redouble our efforts, to love the devil we know rather than explore different options, is caused by the changes stress creates as it relates to decision-making. The more stressed we feel about change, the less likely we are to change.

In the early days of the pandemic, Pete's office went to full on virtual working. Pete has always worked mostly from home, so this was not a change for him. His team had a huge adjustment. They needed to find a place at home to set up their laptops and join zoom calls without revealing their sloppy housekeeping. Folks needed to figure out a mute button so that the barking dog or yelling kids (or spouse) did not disrupt meetings. There was so much complaining! Pete did not understand it. Most of his team had a 90 minute commute each way to work - on a good day. Parking in D.C. costs as much as many people spend on their entertainment budget per month! What's wrong with this picture? Virtual working is awesome according to Pete.

A year later, his team agrees. Productivity has increased. People have figured out that having an extra 180 minutes a day is pretty sweet. Spare bedrooms have become home offices. Parents have more time with their kids even though sometimes there are awkward interactions, like the time someone's toddler appeared in the screen lamenting, "Dad, can you please come wipe my butt?"

When we are afraid and anxious, it is harder to think about making changes. But change can be a blessing. One way to try to shake up your survival instincts is to start asking a different question, "What if this works?"

So...explore! What change have you been contemplating? Flooded with doubt and indecision? Ask yourself, "What if this works?"