his talk is about exploring the impact of "what if" thinking on our lives and how it shapes our decisions and well-being. It delves into the psychological phenomenon of counterfactual thinking—our natural tendency to imagine alternate versions of the past—and examines its dual effects: as a tool for learning from mistakes or as a trap that fuels regret and limits progress.Drawing from personal experience, the talk highlights the speaker's journey of overcoming a life dictated by societal expectations. It tells the story of how living with regret inspired a bold transformation, leading to the pursuit of a personally fulfilling career. By sharing this journey, the speaker illustrates the importance of embracing imperfection, letting go of the past, and taking ownership of one’s choices.The talk offers actionable strategies to break free from regret, encouraging the audience to:Reflect on their true desires.
Assess their willingness to pursue them.
Accept the inherent risks of uncertainty.
Find peace in the outcomes, whether successful or not.
Ultimately, this talk is a call to transform "what if" thoughts into "what's next" actions. It emphasizes the power of a growth mindset and invites the audience to shift focus from dwelling on past possibilities to seizing present opportunities. The closing message encourages listeners to embrace their dreams, asking a pivotal question: What if you said yes to your dreams? Abdullah has earned two master’s degrees in Counseling and Psychology, and currently a counselor at Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST). He is a former director of the Middle East Psychological Association’s (MEPA) Kuwait country chapter. Abdullah was invited as a speaker to multiple conferences, panel discussions, and as a speaker in multiple schools, universities, corporate identities, and the general public. With a major interest in education, he lectures and conducts workshops and trainings in the field of brain and mental health. With the understanding of Kuwait’s collectivist culture and its barriers, Abdullah aims to guide individuals in improving their quality of performance in their day to day lives whether its personal or work related, by better understanding their brain mechanics and their mental health. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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