Picture this. Your life and career are sailing along on cruise control and then out of nowhere shit happens, requiring you to deal with something that you were not expecting. Perhaps you get laid off without any notice or receive a notification from your landlord that your rent is increasing by $200. The next time you get hit with something from left field, here are seven (7) ways to weather the storm and conquer the challenge.
1. Accept it: When shit happens, give yourself a little time to get angry or frustrated and then, no matter how much the situation sucks, embrace this as a reality you must face.
2. Find the opportunity: There is always a chance for something good to come out of any crappy experience, it’s all about the perspective. For example, if someone takes credit for something you did at work – it sucks. But at least it proves that your ideas are worth stealing and that you have talent!
3. Stop asking why me: Why not you? Sometimes negative things happen to good people – it’s called life. You don’t ask “why me?” when you get a promotion or a bigger tax refund than expected. Sometimes things happen to change our focus to what matters.
4. Embrace the experience: There is an opportunity to grow and learn from every life experience if we remain open-minded.
5. Let it motivate you to take action or make a positive change: The truth is, most of us make decisions simply because we are forced to do so. Remember, there are thousands of successful businesses that started because someone got fired and needed a way to create income.
6. Remind yourself that this too shall pass: Whether it’s finding a new job or digging your way out of debt, nothing lasts forever. Remain focused on your goal, do your best and things will change sooner than you expect.
7. Use it as a chance to help others: Turn a miserable experience into a positive one simply by sharing what you may have learned the hard way. Even while you are going through something difficult, find ways to use your experience to help others.
This week stop and remind yourself that everyone experiences setbacks and unexpected challenges. When this happens to you try out these or other ways to approach the negative situation from a new perspective.