What If?

What if I had studied properly? I would have scored better marks.

What if I had helped that person? I wouldn’t be feeling guilty now.

What if I had known this before? I would’ve done so much better.

The above phrase “What if” has haunted us all at some point. It’s like that annoying relative who shows up uninvited, criticizes everything, and leaves you questioning your entire existence.

Funny thing is, we are the ones inviting it in, sharing snacks and brewing some tea, and letting it stay for hours. And here we are stuck with the What If phrase in our head.

I have had my fair share of “what if” moments. And here is one that many youngsters will definitely relate to. Like the time I stayed up all night binge watching a show before an exam. The next day, I was in the exam hall, staring blankly at the paper, thinking, “What if I had just opened my textbook instead of Netflix?”

Then a few days back, this happened, I saw someone struggling with their groceries. I could have helped, but I was too busy minding my own business. Later, I felt bad and thought, “What if I had just lent a hand?”

And this one I will never forget. I paid someone’s semester fees as he was in desperate need and I thought it was the right thing to do. Obviously, I am a human and I care for people. But, then they never paid me back, even though he is doing great in life, and I couldn’t help but think, What if I had used that money for something else?

But if you give it a thought, living in the “what if” zone is like trying to drive forward while staring at the rearview mirror. Well you know what will happen next. You will crash. Sure, it is always good to glance back and learn, but don’t let it dictate your journey.

Over time, I have realized that what if is just regret dressed up in fancy words. And regret? Well, it's like a sticky trap, the more you fight it, the harder it is to escape. So, you may ask, what is the way out?

Simple: action.

I am a strict follower of the philosophy, “ Your actions speak louder than your words.” Either do the thing or let it go. Don’t sit there like a potato on the couch, get up and make things happen!

For instance, if you are thinking, “What if I had apologized to my friend?” Just pick up the goddamn phone and say sorry. If you are stuck on “What if I had prepared better for that presentation?” Use the time and experience to give your best and nail the next one.

Life doesn’t come with an undo button, but it does offer a reset option every single day.

And let us not forget some of the funny instances of what if moments. Like, What if I had resisted that 2 AM pizza? My weighing scale might not be glaring at me every morning.

Such moments remind us to laugh at ourselves and not take life too seriously. After all, it is all part of the journey, and nobody gets out alive anyway.

But jokes aside, what if can also be a powerful motivator. Instead of letting it pull you down, use it to propel yourself forward.

Turn, What if I fail? into What if I succeed? Flip the script. Change the narrative. You are the author of your own story, so make it a bestseller.

I am loving myself as I write it. But it all makes sense when you think about it.

So, the next time what if comes knocking, do not let it overstay its welcome. Learn from it, laugh at it, and then show it the door. Life’s too short to be stuck in a loop of regret. Go out there, take risks, make mistakes, and live boldly.

Because, honestly, the only “what if” you should be worrying about is, “What if I never tried?”

I have lived the what if moments many times and am still living them. Sure, I do regret some, but the good thing is I have learned the mantra to accept, learn, and move on. It is a practice that has truly helped me keep climbing.

These are my opinions, shaped by brief but meaningful experiences in my life. What about you? What are your ‘what if’ moments, and how have they shaped your journey?

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