Is the Worst-Case Scenario the Most Likely?

If you're a Six, you've heard that you succumb to worst-case scenario thinking. 

Read this blog post to learn how the term "worst-case scenario" almost kept me from realizing I was a Six. 

If you read that post, you know that a Six is situational in their assessment of worst-case scenarios. 

We aren't talking about the ULTIMATE worst-case scenario (like a nuclear bomb), we're talking scenarios like: 

• My friend didn't call me back. She must be mad at me. 
• I'm not going to be able to do a good job for my new client and they'll be mad and give me a bad review.
•  My kids don't read enough for pleasure. 

In each case, these aren't life-threatening worst-case scenarios. It's really just my insecurity raising its ugly head and I imagine the worst.

The gift of the enneagram is AWARENESS. 

Once we realize that we are prone to worst-case scenario thinking, we can start to look for the signals our bodies give us when we experience anxiety.

For me, I realize I'm holding my breath and my heart feels like it's in a vize.

My thoughts are making me feel panic and I freeze!

It's at that moment that:

• I STOP and take a deep breath. 
• I name the fear that I'm having. Just dismissing it isn't helpful.
• I realize that that is the worst-case scenario (or close to it). 
• I then REPLACE that thought with the MOST LIKELY SCENARIO.

That's the key! Is there a better chance that the worst-case scenario will happen or the most likely scenario? 

• Is it more likely that my friend didn't call me back because she's mad at me or because she's busy?
• Is it more likely that my client will be mad or that they'll be happy since all the rest of my clients have been happy?
• Is it more likely that my kids are going to be harmed from not reading enough for pleasure or that they're just too busy with school but will read for pleasure when they're able? 

I think you'll find this tool so useful. 

Next time you feel that grip of anxiety grab your heart and a terrifying thought seizes your mind, ask yourself, "Is this the worst-case scenario or most likely scenario?" 

If it's the worst-case scenario, flip it! 

​Will you try this and report back? I'd love to hear how it works for you!