Whether tongue-in-cheek or not, Mark Twain knew a thing or two about how many of us think when he said, “I’ve lived through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened.”

The truth is we all too often expect, anticipate or down right insist on living in worst case scenarios.

There are, of course, myriad rationales for this.

Some people are flat out addicted to scaring themselves.

Without looking back to the needless worry they’ve put themselves through, others believe expecting the worst is a hedge against disappointment. Or that there’s some degree of controlling the situation in this way of thinking.

Still more are convinced that it’s more reasonable, even safer to expect and prepare for the worst.

But, unless we’re talking about hurricane season where there is some real benefit to being prepared, we are robbing ourselves of positive anticipation, optimism, freedom from worry and serenity.

Even more importantly, when we expect things to not work out, chances of this happening are beyond magnified.

We can almost ensure a bad outcome by expecting it.

Conversely, we incrementally improve the chances of a positive, excellent result by expecting and preparing for just that.

There is absolutely no harm in expecting the good. The better.  The best.

None.

So –  to quote you know who –   JUST DO IT.