The other night, I had the privilege of attending an author talkback with one of my favorite writers, TJ Klune. If you know me, you know how much I adore reading, and TJ’s work has always held a special place in my heart. His stories are a beautiful blend of heart, humor, and humanity, and hearing him speak was nothing short of inspiring.  

During the talk, TJ shared his interest in studying cults (honestly, same – did you know that about me!?) and science fiction, but what really struck me was his emphasis on one simple question: “What if?” He explained that this question is the foundation of storytelling—and, I’d argue, the foundation of a life well-lived.  

“What if the people we’ve always thought were “crazy” are actually right”

“What if it doesn’t have to be the way it’s always been?” 

“What if we tried something new, just to see what happens?”

“What if this is not the only truth?”  

These questions resonated with me deeply because they mirror the way I approach both life and business. I usually call it embracing possibility, but at its core, it’s about asking *“What if?”* and daring to imagine a different reality.  

The “What If” Mentality  

For me, the “What if?” mentality is about challenging the status quo—not just in the world, but in our own lives. It’s about questioning everything we’ve been taught, everything we’ve accepted as “the way things are,” and asking:  

“What if everything I was taught isn’t the right thing for me?”

“What if the rules don’t apply?”

“What if I could try it differently and get a better result?”

“What if I actually prioritized my peace?”

“What if I led with joy?”

“What if I kept the portal to hope open, even when the news tells us there’s nothing to be hopeful about?” 

These questions aren’t just hypotheticals; they’re invitations to explore, to experiment, and to evolve. They remind us that we have agency—that we can choose to create a life that feels authentic, joyful, and aligned with our deepest values.  

How to Embrace the “What If” Mentality  

If you’re feeling inspired but unsure where to start, here are a few tangible ways to embrace the “What if?” mentality in your own life:  

1. Challenge Your Assumptions  

Take a moment to reflect on the beliefs or habits you’ve accepted without question. Are they serving you? Are they true? For example, “What if the career path I’ve been on isn’t the only option? What if I could create something entirely new?”

2. Experiment with Small Changes

You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Start with small, low-stakes experiments. “What if I woke up 20 minutes earlier to write, meditate, or move my body?”  “What if I said “no” to something that drains me and “yes” to something that lights me up?”  

3. Prioritize Your Peace

In a world that glorifies busyness, choosing peace can feel radical. “What if I stopped hustling for my worth and instead focused on what brings me calm and contentment?” “What if I created boundaries that honor my energy and time?” 

4. Lead with Joy

Joy doesn’t have to be a rare or fleeting emotion—it can be a guiding force. “What if I made decisions based on what brings me joy, rather than what I think I “should” do?” “What if I approached challenges with curiosity and playfulness instead of fear?”

5. Keep the Portal to Hope Open 

 It’s easy to feel hopeless when the world feels heavy. But “what if I chose to believe in possibility, even when it feels hard?”  “What if I looked for small moments of beauty, connection, and progress?” 

The Ripple Effect of “What If”  

When we embrace the “What if?” mentality, we don’t just change our own lives—we create a ripple effect. Our courage to imagine a different reality inspires others to do the same. Our willingness to try something new opens doors for innovation and growth. And our commitment to hope and joy becomes a beacon for those around us.  

As TJ Klune reminded me the other night, the question “What if?” is where creativity begins. But it’s also where change begins—where we begin to rewrite the stories we’ve been telling ourselves and step into the fullness of who we are.  

So, I’ll leave you with this: “What if you dared to ask “What if?” today?” What might unfold if you embraced possibility, challenged the rules, and led with joy?  

I’d love to hear your thoughts. What’s one “What if?” question you’re sitting with right now? Let’s explore it together.  Check out this video below!

The Power of Expanding Your Mindset

Believe in yourself and take action to create a joyful, abundant life. Start today with small steps towards your dreams and unstoppable growth. Check this out, What If Believing in Yourself Was the Key to Everything?