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Welcome to all my new subscribers and my 5200 loyal readers who have been with me for the past 20 years.

What If It Goes Right? The Optimist's Rebellion

Greetings!


When it comes to imagining the worst-case scenario most of us have Stephen King as our inner script writer with unhappy endings courtesy of Orwell.


We’re Olympic-level catastrophists. Give us five seconds and we can turn “I’m thinking about changing jobs” into “I will fail publicly, lose all my money, and the Big Issue sales guys will be tossing a coin into my hat as I sprawl in a doorway”.


It’s a super power if you want to put a spin on it.


When people say “I can’t change careers in this current climate,” what they often mean is “I’m am anchoring myself to the inevitability of desiccated dreams.”


Same with starting a business, dating again, moving cities, or trying anything that doesn’t come with a written guarantee, pension and safety net. It’s scary out there, we caution ourselves. 


Our brains love a worst-case scenario. It feels responsible. Sensible. Mature, even.


Optimism, on the other hand, feels reckless—like wearing white trousers at a red wine “swirl and spit” bonanza.

But here’s a radical question we almost never ask:


What’s the best that could happen?


Not the guaranteed outcome. Not the Instagram highlight reel that’s gone viral.


Just…the best.


If you change jobs, the best that could happen is not just “more money.” It’s waking up without that low-grade dread on Sunday evenings. It’s feeling interesting again. A little bit fresh, kind of wild and bold like you used to before resignation and hair loss set in. 


It’s discovering that you are, in fact, capable of learning new tricks, changing your spots and proving yourself (and others) wrong. Nice.


If you start a business, the best that could happen isn’t becoming a billionaire (although feel free to imagine that too and let’s do lunch). It’s freedom. Satisfaction. Flexibility. Pride. Having a story that starts with “I tried.”


Even the so-called failures usually come with unexpected skills, confidence, and an alarming number of opinions about stationery and spreadsheets.


And dating? Ah yes - the emotional obstacle course.


The best that could happen is not just meeting “The One.” It’s laughter. Connection. Realising you don’t actually have to settle for someone who thinks emotions are a software glitch. It’s also great content for nights out with friends. It’s learning what you want - and what you definitely don’t - without the universe needing to issue a restraining order.


Here’s the thing no one tells us:


We already accept the worst as if it’s inevitable.


So why not give equal airtime, energy and intention to the best?


This isn’t about blind positivity or pretending fear doesn’t exist. Fear is useful. It keeps us from wrestling bears in Oxford Street and replying to emails two glasses of Chardonnay down.


Fear shouldn’t be the only voice in the room.


Try this instead: When your mind finishes its dramatic “everything will go wrong” monologue, politely thank it - then ask:


“Okay. And if it went right…what would that look like?”


You don’t have to believe it fully.


You just have to let it be possible.


Because most life-changing moments don’t start with certainty.


They start with curiosity.


With “maybe.”


With a small, rebellious thought that says:


“What if this works out better than I expect?”

And honestly - imagining that is no more ridiculous than assuming it will all fall apart.


Fancy loading the odds in your favour? Book a call with me (free to subscribers like you) here.

Pure Coaching Academy

It’s Week & of the Pure Coaching Academy Spring term and it’s getting very exciting.  Domain names secured, websites are beginning construction, niches nailed and now it’s time to get commercial.



We will be covering creative and comfortable ideas on how to market their coaching business across several platforms, networking and creative marketing. 

We are passionate about our coaches being successful in the next chapter of their careers.


Feeling coaching curious. Here’s a good starting point. Our free downloadable -  5 Essential Tips for Aspiring Coaches


Want to find out more about the course? Book a free call.

Carole Ann Rice

Life Coach, Author, Columnist

The Real Coaching Co

T: 020 8566 2862

M: 07726 860 014


About Carole Ann Rice


Carole Ann is an award winning journalist, media consultant and high profile coach, with over 20 years' coaching experience with private clients and major organisations such as the London School of Economics and Play England.


She co-wrote Start Your Dream Business and Find Your Dream Job which are available from Amazon.


She is the winner of 'Best Coach' in the Best Business Women's Awards 2017.


She is also MD of the Pure Coaching Academy which is an accredited (IIC&M) 8 week life coach training course where she trains people to become world class coaches. It includes an inclusive coaching manual which is the handbook of any new life coach when starting out.

As her website boldly states "not just another life coach".


Carole Ann Rice | Real Coaching Co | Pure Coaching Academy 


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