Counterfactual Thinking
Have you ever wished for the ability totime travel in order to change a situation with hopes of a different outcome?It is normal to have a “what if” mentality when reflecting on past decisions,but unfortunately, there is no such thing as a time machine and Back to theFuture is merely a classic 80s movie. Moreover, you have experiencedcounterfactual thinking if you have ever replayed the outcome of an event inyour life with alternate expectations of a different outcome. Counterfactualthinking derives from focusing on how the past might have been, or how thepresent could be different. These thoughts are usually triggered by negativeevents with the ability to block one’s goals and aspirations. Consequently, counterfactualthoughts can have an effect on emotions, beliefs, and behavior. Regret isusually the most common emotion because everyone has made a decision resultingin a less than desirable outcome.
Counterfactual thinking from a military perspectivecan be as simple as, “I could have been promoted if I studied one additionalhour per night or if I received that promotion statement, I know I deserved.”Each of these situations are hypothetical, but they are thoughts which cancause someone to consistently place blame upon themselves. The key is toposition yourself, refocus and recreate your mindset to understand thatmistakes can only be prevented when you stand still, so keep moving. Mistakesare what builds character, growth and tenacity to accomplish the one thingyou felt was impossible because it did not initially work in your favor. Shouldhave, could have, and would have mental transactions create roadblocks to yourfuture successes and endless possibilities.
The value placed on our past experiencesis a direct reflection of how we view our current situation.I recently competed in a fitness competition and I initially had doubts aboutmy ability to measure up against other competitors, so yes, I was getting in myown way. Thoughts of past medical issues that previously kept me from competingstarted to rear their ugly head with attempts to shatter my goal of becoming acompetitor. But I refused to allow such detrimental thoughts destroy the goal Iwas working so hard to achieve. Once I silenced thoughts of the past, betterknown as counterfactual thinking, I pushed through to place 4th in my 1stcompetition! The joy and overall feeling of achieving a goal that onceseemed impossible is a feeling that is unexplainable, but one you mustexperience for yourself.
I’m a firm believer that there is no suchthing as a “bad day,” but consider it a “character building day.”The truth is that your past helped mold you into the person you are today,whether you believe it or not. If you’re not happy with that person, then youmust take steps to make adjustments where needed because you are not able toundo the past, but you can help mold your future. If you are happy with theperson you are today, then continue to press forward, consistently work onbecoming a better you and help inspire someone who might be working towardsfinding their way. We are all influencers in one way or another and each dayis a building block to your legacy and how others will remember you. How doYOU want to be remembered and will you allow the less desirable moments of yourpast to define and determine the trajectory of YOUR future?
Editor’s Note: SeniorMaster Sergeant Catrell Wilson is the Headquarters Air Force Global StrikeCommand Airfield Management Functional Manager, Barksdale Air Force Base,Louisiana.