It’s been a difficult season for most, and a long one at that. The unexpected waves and dark clouds seem to just keep on coming. Here’s how to spot the silver linings nevertheless…
Focus on the finish line, not the obstacles along the way
Our minds tend to naturally zone in on our problems and fears. Instead of just seeing all the obstacles standing in your way (and feeling overwhelmed and discouraged as a result) focus on where you want to ultimately get to and what you want to achieve. List your obstacles, but don’t stop there – list the opportunities they come with too. Focus on solutions, not just the problems. Instead of asking “Why me?” ask “With all the experience, knowledge and skills I’ve gained thus far – how can I uniquely leverage this situation for good?” Ask yourself “If I had all the time and money in the world and I knew I couldn’t fail, what would I be doing?” Questions like these will help to open your mind up to what’s possible.
Mind the gaps!
Don’t just mind them – lean in and look really close at them. Many a potent business opportunity comes disguised in the form of a great obstacle. More often than we think, there is gold to be mined in the gaps. So what are the ‘gaps’ in your industry or personal life that currently exist? What are the systems that impede progress and frustrate you? Instead of simply moaning about these – what could you or your company do to actually bridge these gaps?
Think win-win
A scarcity mindset believes that if one person wins, another loses. Try to create win-win conditions in your life to combat this dead-end way of thinking. Look for ways for all parties to leave with a sense of achievement and gain. This often means listening a lot more, learning from everyone and being willing to keep on communicating and thinking outside of the box until all parties feel heard and represented in the final way forward.
Gratitude grows us
Have you noticed how much harder it is to feel fear or sadness while feeling grateful at the same time? Practicing gratitude is one of the most widely recognized methods for improving one’s overall well-being. One way to practice this is to write down five things you are grateful for each and every day. Remember to include even the simplest things that you might take for granted, like the roof over your head or the clean air you’re breathing right now.
Small hinges can open big doors
Don’t despise the day of small beginnings. What’s in your hands right now? What have you currently got that you can invest toward achieving your goals? Everybody has to start somewhere. And whilst the first steps are often the hardest, they can also be the ost rewarding. How do you get to your ultimate destination? One small step at a time.
So what are you waiting for? The time to spot the silver linings and start capitalising on them, is now!
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