Your Past Isn’t the Only Path: Explore Alternative Histories

Every day you live one version of your life, but dozens of invisible paths lie just out of sight. In reality, you might have accepted that overseas assignment, started a side business, or said no to a risky investment. Thinking only in terms of actual outcomes narrows your view and leaves you blind to better strategies. By deliberately sketching these untraveled routes, you expose the hidden driver behind your decisions and discover options you never noticed. Picture each alternative history as a branching road on a map—some routes look tempting, others risky, but none should be ignored.

This exercise isn’t about regret or dwelling on the past; it’s a tool to sharpen your future moves. When you see a potential detour that could have led to a better outcome, you gain the courage to test it. The science of counterfactual thinking shows that reflecting on what might have happened teaches you more about your world model than repeating the same stories. You’re not trapped by the single timeline you lived—you can peek behind the curtain and learn from every possible ending.

Next time you face a choice—big or small—imagine three “what if” versions of your decision and assign each a realistic probability. This habit rewires your brain to spot neglected risks and opportunities, giving you a broader, clearer lens on the next fork in the road.

Imagine yourself in a quiet corner of your day—drinking coffee, waiting at a bus stop, or early in the morning before emails arrive. Pull out your notebook or phone and write down two big events you’ve lived through. Then, let your mind wander: “What if I had taken a different job? What if I avoided that deal?” Assign a number to each alternate history—your gut estimate of how likely it would have been. Finally, jot one lesson you’ll apply this week. Give it a try tonight.