“You’re never ever stuck unless you choose to think, act or feel stuck”
Don’t ever give up ought to be printed on your forehead. The reason is that the most successful people are the ones who choose to not give up. They hang in there. They persevere. They keep on looking for the good even in the negative. In fact, they know down deep that almost nothing is as good or as bad as it first appears.
Losing the big account, going through difficult contract negations, dealing with strikes, downsizing or change in company management and direction are examples of frustrating events. The key is that they are all just "events." These events are not the end of the world. They might be frustrating to different degrees but you will not die from going through any one of them.
One of the secrets of success during these tough times is learning to turn all experiences into building blocks. Asking yourself what you are learning from each and every one of these events will keep you focused on the positive and not the negative. You will also be teaching and modeling to everyone you come in contact with to never give up when problems arise. They will also see in your that in tough times you can make the right choice to turn the event into a learning opportunity.
Now don't get me wrong, losing the big account or downsizing is frustrating. But it’s not the end of the world. It is just an event. Sure you might be depressed, angry or miserable. You can choose depressed or angry behavior all day long and be miserable about the event. You can even take it out on others around you and even the dog at home. But guess what? Once you come out of your chosen funk--you quickly find out that depressed turned into depressing. Anger turned into angering. Miserable turned into miserabling. The "ing" denotes action and a "choice" we make.
I hope you noticed I said "chosen funk." The reason is that successful people know that they choose funk and that they have the power to turn funk into something else with the next choice on "their part." It has nothing to do with the "event" that has already happened. Go beyond others and choose to make the event an opportunity to learn. You have the power of choice.






Right on, Mike!
I've always been baffled by people who say they're locked into a situation or forced into a one-choice course of action. Not possible.
There is always a second choice. Even if that choice is to go backward or to do nothing. Sometimes these are not attractive choices, but they are choices nonetheless.
They say the first thing to do when you find yourself in a hole is to stop digging. Too many people feel they have no choice but to continue digging themselves in deeper.
If you think you're stuck with a single course of action, you need to think again. Sometimes opting NOT to act is a better choice.
Posted by: Don The Idea Guy | January 15, 2007 at 01:04 PM
Along with 'focus' I think 'don't give up' is one of the most valuable lessons you can learn.
This is the first time I have come across this blog, I'll be sure to bookmark it for future.
All the best,
Rob
Posted by: Rob Burns | December 17, 2007 at 07:58 AM