The Power of Moving Beyond “What If”

“What if I’m not good enough?” “What if I fail?” “What if I can’t recover?” These questions often hold us back more than the challenges themselves. In this episode of Behind Beliefs, Behaviors and the Brain, Dr. Maiysha Clairborne sits down with global workforce expert and transformational leader Dr. Shirley Davis to explore how overcoming fear and self-doubt can open the door to resilience, reinvention, and growth.

From Fear to Faith: Flipping the Script

Many of us let fear control our inner dialogue. The “what ifs” we replay—what if I fail, what if I’m not ready, what if I’m not enough, become mental barriers. But when we flip those questions, the same “what if” becomes powerful. What if I’m stronger than I think? What if I’m ready for more? What if this challenge is preparing me for something greater?

Let’s choose to reframe fear into faith. Faith isn’t about ignoring uncertainty; it’s about believing in possibility even when the outcome isn’t clear.

The Brain Filters What We Focus On

Our brains are wired to find evidence that supports what we believe. When fear dominates our thinking, we begin to see more of what we fear. When we focus on gratitude and growth, we begin to see opportunity.

Dr. Maiysha reminds us of the brain’s reticular activating system, the filter that seeks alignment between our inner thoughts and outer world. If we consistently ask, “What’s going well?” or “What progress have I made today?”, our minds begin to notice the good and expand our sense of possibility.

Let’s train our brains to look for what’s right, not just what’s wrong.

Reinvention Starts with Self-Honesty

True transformation begins with naming what we feel. Whether it’s fear, frustration, or self-doubt, acknowledging our emotional truth removes its power. When we name our emotions, we can heal, recalibrate, and create new responses.

Let’s normalize emotional honesty. Feeling anxious or uncertain doesn’t mean we’re weak, it means we’re human. Growth starts with acceptance and continues through curiosity, compassion, and courage.

Thriving Through the Storm

Thriving isn’t about avoiding challenges, it’s about learning to stand tall in the midst of them. Dr. Shirley shares how reinvention requires courage, intention, and consistency. It means protecting our peace, choosing what we allow into our minds, and surrounding ourselves with people who lift us higher.

Let’s remember that failure isn’t final. Every setback is a lesson in disguise, guiding us toward the next step. As Dr. Shirley says, “Risk is scary, but regret is worse.” Growth happens when we leap, trusting that we’ll build our wings on the way down.

Faith, Community, and Connection

Reinvention doesn’t happen in isolation. We need people who see our potential, challenge our excuses, and remind us of our worth. Building strong, supportive relationships helps us stay grounded through uncertainty.

Faith, whether spiritual, emotional, or psychological, keeps us anchored. Let’s hold the picture of our vision in mind and walk toward it, believing that it’s possible. When we align intention, belief, and consistent action, transformation becomes inevitable.

About Dr. Shirley Davis 

Dr. Shirley Davis is a global workforce expert, author, and president and CEO of SDS Global Enterprises, helping organizations transform culture, strengthen leadership, and unlock human potential. With over thirty years of experience in senior HR and executive roles across Fortune 100 and 50 companies, she brings deep expertise in talent management, leadership development, and organizational growth. 

Follow Dr. Shirley Davis 

Website: https://drshirleydavis.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshirleydavis/; https://www.linkedin.com/company/sdsglobalenterprises/ 

Follow Dr. Maiysha on Social media 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DrMaiysha
Instagram: www.instagram.com/DrMaiysha
Youtube: www.YouTube.com/DrMaiysha 

Hosted by: Dr. Maiysha Clairborne 

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