There are many perspectives we can look at in any given situation. It is like looking at the glass half empty or half full. We focus on what we perceive; instead of seeing our shortcomings, failures, and mistakes each day, why not look for what went right, what we did well, what made you feel joy and happiness, or what made you smile? The more you focus on the good, the more you will see it. As opposed to focusing on the bad or negative, you will see more of it. Every day it is up to us to choose what perspective we want to view our day.
Start your journal at the end of the day. Write down what was good about your day. It could be as simple as making your bed, seeing a beautiful bird or flower, or noticing how the clouds form figures and miraculously float by as if time stood still. There are so many things to be thankful for each day. We are here today, alive and breathing. Look for the opportunities, and you will find them. The joy of seeing these opportunities can fill your heart with hope and happiness.
Here are a few perspectives to think about:
- Obstacles or Opportunities
- Struggles or Strength
- Setbacks or Steppingstones
- Rejections or Resilience
- Shadows or Hidden Truths
- Mistakes or Masterclasses
- Fears or Fuel for Courage
Here’s an article by John Gordon that inspired me, and I wanted to share:
What is your Success today?
“When my children were young, I read a story about United States gymnast Bart Conner, who was able to overcome a torn bicep muscle to win two gold medals at the 1984 Olympics. When asked how he did it, he explained that when he was growing up, each night before bedtime his parents would ask him his success of the day. He said, “Every night I went to bed a success. Every morning, I woke up a success. When I got injured, I knew I was going to come back because I was a success every day of my life.”
Instead of dwelling on all the things that went wrong that day, all the mistakes you made, and all the people who frustrated you, think about and focus on the one great thing that happened, the one great conversation you had, the one event that made you smile, or the one accomplishment you are proud of.
When you write down your success each night, you are programming your mind and brain to focus on success. What you look for you will find. What you focus on shows up more in your life. If you want to test this out, start looking for red cars on the road. You will start seeing more red cars. By thinking about your success of the day and writing it down in your success journal, you will create more success in your life.”
~John Gordon
Ask yourself these questions to help with a shift in perspective:
- What is one positive event or accomplishment from your day that you can celebrate right now?
- Which perspective shift (e.g., obstacles to opportunities) resonates most with you, and how can you apply it to a current challenge
- What are three simple things you are grateful for today that you might have overlooked?
- How do you typically respond to setbacks, and how might viewing them as steppingstones change your approach?
- How can you encourage those around you to focus on their daily successes and positive moments?
