Microblog: Silencing the “What Ifs”

Is Your Problem Real… or Just Hypothetical Worry Your Mind Can’t Get Away From?

Ever find yourself spiraling on “what ifs”? That’s hypothetical worry—and it’s sneaky.

Actual worry = current, solvable problems.
Example: “My presentation is tomorrow → I can practice tonight.”

Hypothetical worry = future “what ifs.”
Example: “What if I bomb every class presentation this semester?” → nothing to do right now but stew.

How to check yourself:

• Ask: “Can I do something about this today?”

• If yes → take one step (review, practice, prep).

• If no → set it aside until it’s real.

Think of worry as a sidecar passenger on your life motorcycle. Sometimes it gives useful directions (“turn left now!”). Sometimes it’s just chatty noise. Your job = decide when to listen.

Want to hear more? Listen to the full microdose episode here: