REHEARSING OUTCOMES —

Imagination is undeniably a human faculty that accounts for much progress in the world. Compulsive people, however, can sometimes use imagination in a most destructive way.

One destructive practice is that of rehearsing in our minds, or projecting, the outcome of some threat or problem, usually expecting the worst. While we should not avoid facing real problems, it's wrong to assume that the worst will always happen. This tendency to anticipate the worst possible outcome can actually produce the very outcome we'd like to avoid, thus making it a self-fulfilling prophecy.

We can deal with such pessimistic thinking by reminding ourselves that our high power is in charge. If we're going to rehearse anything, let it be an outcome that includes the best for everybody, including ourselves.

I'll expect the best today, knowing that once I put in the appropriate effort, all outcomes are in God's hands.