A certain amount of denial is a prerequisite for functioning in this crazy, unpredictable world. Being constantly aware of the possibility of an earthquake or a civic emergency can paralyze you.  But turning a blind eye to the future can lead to disaster.

Asking “what if” is constructive when it leads to strong contingency planning that really can save the day.  Asking “What if I lose my wallet on the trip?” has resulted in millions of salvaged vacations (and made a boatload of money for American Express, who presumably had to ask, “what if all these people stop worrying about losing their wallets?”)

It’s obsessive questioning that cripples.  “What if I lose my wallet on the trip and I need medical care and I can’t demonstrate that I can pay and the car breaks down and I have no credit card…”  It’s not that these things aren’t possible.  It’s that they’re unlikely and focusing on them makes action impossible.  Life becomes ominous; living turns into a never-ending chain of worries.

“What if” thinking is like a microscope that lets you see in minute detail the potential pitfalls of a course of action you’re considering. Taken too far, it becomes quicksand. The trick seems to be in knowing when to put the microscope back on the shelf, allow the unlikely (but admittedly scary) possibilities to fade from your mind’s eye and head off to the surf.

Because, while it’s possible that a lost wallet could lead to death, it’s probable that the fear of danger, more than the danger itself, will prevent you from living.