“What’s the worst that can happen?”

The teacher passes out a pop quiz, what’s the worst that can happen?

You had a rough quarter and the boss isn’t happy, what’s the worst that can happen?

You’re hanging 40 feet off the ground, tied into a rope, what’s the worst that can happen?

“What’s the worst that can happen?” is something that we can ask ourselves every time adversity rises. (Which happens a lot.)

If the worst that can happen is discomfort or a change in status or a loss in time or energy, then the worst that can happen, isn’t that bad.

Our perception of risk doesn’t match the reality.

When the two mix, we create more anxiety and more stress, distracting ourselves from solving the problem.