Your Past Is Not Your Only Possible Future
Begin step 1Your Past Is Not Your Only Possible Future is a short visual guide for moments connected to how to stop worrying.
It covers one core idea: the philosopher contrasts etiology—the explanation of behavior by past causes—with teleology, that is, the question of the current goal of the….
You will after the question “why am I like this?”
add: “what does this reaction help to avoid or achieve now?”, then choose what fits next.
The aim is more choice around worry, not a promise of zero anxiety.
Step 1 of 5
Check your starting point: Your Past Is Not Your Only Possible Future
When worry gets louder than everything else and demands an answer right now…
Notice what fits this situation today:
- Teleology: what purpose does the reaction serve now?
- Anger can be used as a tool of influence
- The meaning of an experience is not the same as the event itself
- I am not sure yet—I just want to understand
Step 2 of 5
The philosopher contrasts etiology—the explanation of behavior by past causes—with teleology, that is, the…
- The philosopher contrasts etiology—the explanation of behavior by past causes—with teleology, that is, the question of the current goal of the reaction.
- He argues that people attach meaning to experiences and may use anger or self-description as a means to obtain a certain outcome.
- “Lifestyle” is presented as a chosen pattern of perception and action that can be re-chosen now, although a person often prefers the familiar out of fear of uncertainty.
Step 3 of 5
Map the pattern: Your Past Is Not Your Only Possible Future
Look at the moving parts of Your Past Is Not Your Only Possible Future one at a time:
- Teleology: what purpose does the reaction serve now?.
- Anger can be used as a tool of influence.
- The meaning of an experience is not the same as the event itself.
- Lifestyle can be changed.
Step 4 of 5
After the question “why am I like this?” add: “what does this reaction help to avoid or achieve…
- Pause for a few seconds. Check whether this practice feels safe enough right now.
- After the question “why am I like this?” add: “what does this reaction help to avoid or achieve now?”.
- Separate the fact of the event, its consequences and today's significance.
- Notice what changed in your body or thoughts. Do not grade yourself—collect information.
Quick check after the practice:
- What changed, even by 1%?
- What stayed the same?
- What do you need now: continue, stop, or ask someone for support?
Step 5 of 5
Choose a next step: Your Past Is Not Your Only Possible Future
You do not have to resolve this whole situation today. You worked directly with “Your Past Is Not Your Only Possible Future” and chose one possible response.
Choose what fits now:
- “Save one next step”
- “Come back later”
- “I need support from a person”
After this guide
Keep the next step small.
More choice around worry, not a promise of zero anxiety.