Embracing Life's Possibilities: The Power of a Simple Question
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Chapter 1: The Question That Changed Everything
Standing at the brink of opportunity, I often found myself pondering a single question: What’s the worst that could happen?
During my upbringing, my parents envisioned a specific future for me, insisting on two career options: medicine or engineering. However, neither appealed to me. My true passion lay in the arts and design, but that was dismissed as a viable choice. Medicine was clearly not my calling, so engineering eventually fell into my lap. After much internal conflict, I opted for the easier path, reassured by the thought, What’s the worst that could happen? Surely I could manage it.
To my surprise, I completed my degree in Computer Science Engineering. Yet, the yearning for a more creative pursuit never faded. This question became a guiding principle as I made subsequent decisions.
A turning point occurred during my involvement with the National Cadet Corps (NCC). Entered into a shooting competition, I felt unprepared while others trained intensely. Instead of succumbing to anxiety, I took a moment to breathe and considered, What’s the worst that could happen if I didn’t perform well? I could simply walk away — it wasn’t the end of the world.
With this mindset, I approached the competition with a calmness that came from not fearing failure. I had low expectations, yet surprisingly, I achieved a score of 150 in snap shooting, with an impressive grouping of just 1.3 cm. It wasn’t confidence that drove me; it was the understanding that losing wouldn’t define me. This realization allowed me to perform at my best without the weight of fear.
Fast forward a few years, I found myself enrolled in a prestigious master’s program in AI/ML at an Ivy League institution. Although it seemed like the pinnacle of my career, I felt a persistent longing for creativity and design. It dawned on me that I was once again following someone else's path, similar to my experience with engineering. Thus, I asked myself yet again: What’s the worst that could happen if I chose a different route?
The thought of leaving behind a sought-after opportunity was daunting, but I knew I would regret not pursuing my true passion. I made the courageous decision to withdraw from the program and enroll in a design school for an MFA in Human-Computer Interaction. The choice wasn't easy, but ultimately, it was the right one. The worst-case scenario I feared never materialized. Instead, I found a space that resonated with my true self.
Then there was my first marriage. From an outsider's perspective, it appeared typical, but behind closed doors, the reality was starkly different. His family rationalized the emotional manipulation and abuse I faced. I distinctly remember a day during lockdown when his mother burned my hand in a fit of rage. As I stared at the burn, I wondered: What’s the worst that could happen if I decided to leave?
While the uncertainty loomed large, the thought of remaining in that situation was even more frightening. That day, I chose to prioritize myself. I became the first in my family to annul a marriage. Although challenging, the freedom and peace I gained were invaluable. The worst I envisioned was never as severe as the life I had been living.
Now, as a Senior UX Designer, I reflect on the choices I’ve made and recognize how that simple question has been my compass. It wasn’t about taking reckless risks; it was about liberating myself from the debilitating fear of failure. Every time I asked, What’s the worst that could happen? I discovered that the reality was much less intimidating than I had anticipated.
Life isn’t merely about dodging failure or discomfort; it's about questioning if those experiences are truly as dreadful as we perceive. More often than not, they are not. When you stop allowing fear to dictate your choices, you can lead a life that is more genuine and fulfilling than you ever thought possible.
So, the next time you find yourself facing a daunting decision, ask yourself: What’s the worst that could happen? You might just realize that the worst is far less troubling than the regret of not having tried at all.