What if I win?

Its a powerful idea that I came across. I suppose it's a branch of positive thinking. Instead of worrying about what could go wrong, it makes you consider what if it all goes right? To do a realistic analysis of any decision we must consider both positive and negative. Our brains are great at the negative part. Due to the evolutionary advantage, it's much safer to consider the negatives and take the safer path. But it does have the consequence of not considering the positive of the decision. What if the positive of it is so great that it outweighs the negative? What if the fear of failure is blinding me to the fruits of the rewards? What if I've been living too safely? What if I win?

 

This does not mean one closes their eyes to the consequences of failure. But merely an ask to open your eyes to the consequences of success.

 

Theres this amazing quote I read in the book "Why we sleep" by Matthew Walker. I'm paraphrasing here but it goes something like this

 

"Sleep is very good for you. Very very good. So good in fact, that the question is no longer 'why we sleep' but rather why did life wake up in the first place?"

 

It also relates to another quote from Elon Musk about how getting to Mars is his reason for getting out of bed in the morning.

 

Life used to wake up just to get food. If it could get everything it needed without moving, it would be a plant. we animals need to move around to get food. But we humans have reached a point where we no longer need to worry about food (for the most part), so why get out of bed? Why not just order food and scroll through funny videos all day? Is the life in Wall-E really that bad?

 

I suppose I could say that I have lived that life. But it does come with a dissatisfaction. A want for a higher purpose. A need for doing something more. For creating something that outlives you. For immortality.

Im yet to find that goal. To find that dream that makes me get up everyday. Sure, I could just say world peace and act smug about my noble goal. But then what do I do when I wake up? Do I write witty tweets at putin and hope he'll leave one of the most strategic geopolitical country alone? Do I change my goal to something more realistic, like make a game? 

Comparison is the thief of joy and comparing world peace to a video game sure does thief a lot of joy. But what if I win?

What if I do make a game that brings about peace. Not world peace maybe, but peace in the person who plays it. A game that quells the hatred in their hearts just enough. And just enough people play it to reach a critical mass. A critical mass of people who demand peace. Who yearn for it. What if it tips the scales just enough for world peace? What if I win?

Is it likely to happen? No. But even if it moves the needle 0.0000000001% towards peace, shouldn't I try it? What's the negative outcome? I make a shit game. But what if I win?

Shoot for the stars to land on the moon. Where do you land if you shoot for Mars though? But hey, what if he wins?