How often do you approach a problem or situation with the comment, “OK, so what is the worst that could happen?” We tend to feel that by looking at the worst case downside of a situation, it can help us better assess the risks that the situation poses. By looking at the negative, we create a larger risk-tolerance zone. However, by doing so, how many “positives” do we miss? When we completely leave out the positive side of the equation, we unfairly skew every decision toward avoiding the negative instead of seeing the potential positives.

You probably remember the song, “The Greatest” sang many years ago by Kenny Rogers. We may have even looked at it here previously. However, this short song speaks perfectly to the point for today. Let’s look at this lyrics to this song:

 

The Greatest

(sung by Kenny Rogers; Songwriters: Donald Alan Schlitz)

 

Little Boy, in a baseball hat

Stands in the field with his ball and bat

Says I am the greatest player of them all

Puts his bat on his shoulder and he tosses up his ball

And the ball goes up and the ball comes down

Swings his bat all the way around

The world’s so still you can hear the sound

The baseball falls to the ground

 

Now the little boy doesn’t say a word

Picks up his ball, he is undeterred

Says I am the greatest there has ever been

And he grits his teeth and he tries it again

And the ball goes up and the ball comes down

Swings his bat all the way around

The world’s so still you can hear the sound

The baseball falls to the ground

 

He makes no excuses, He shows no fears

He just closes his eyes and listens to the cheers

 

Little boy, in a baseball hat

Picks up his ball, stares at his bat

Says I am the greatest the game is on the line

And he gives his all one last time

And the ball goes up like the moon so bright

Swings his bat with all his might

And the world’s so still as still can be

And the baseball falls, and that’s strike three

 

Now it’s supper time and his mama calls

Little boy starts home with his bat and ball

Says I am the greatest that is a fact

But even I didn’t know I could pitch like that

He says I am the greatest that is understood

But even I didn’t know I could pitch that good. 

 

The boy in the song doesn’t dwell on the negative… the fact he missed hitting the ball three straight times. His focus is on his pitching. Instead of looking at the “worst case,” he looks at the positive. So, for us, why not begin looking at “What is the best that could happen?” Why not focus on the positive benefits that we could experience rather than the negative risks posed? In my own life, I can give many examples of times when, had I focused on the “worst case scenario,” I would have chosen to avoid risks or avoid decisions or avoid doing some things. Instead, I have been blessed beyond words for the risks I have taken in my life. Instead of choosing to avoid risks, I chose to look at the positive and be the best pitcher I could possibly be.

So, for today, try to shift your thinking from considering the worst-case you might face to the best-case. What might happen IF I actually make the other choice? You also might look back someday and say you were blessed beyond words because of that decision or risk you decided to take. Or, you might see something positive that you never would have seen otherwise. Give it a try.

Have a great and fabulous day! It might even be a best day, if we allow it. In case you’ve never seen The Greatest video music, it is a good one and is at the link below. Have a good one!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqRjbeSuHi8