There are many different ways to approach this question.
On a surface level, we might ask “What are you not seeing?” Every day is full of little victories and defeats. We get to spin whatever narrative we want. The classic tale of the salesperson who takes every ‘No‘ as moving them closer to ‘Yes‘ is an example of focusing on victories. Each ‘No‘ becomes a victory because it moves us closer to ‘Yes‘. In essence, the question becomes What might I be grateful for?
The fact is that change truly is the one constant in the universe, and perhaps beyond. Nothing lasts forever. It isn’t personal. The same is true for everyone. It can just seem that others have more luck or more happiness but that is to ignore the random nature of our existence.
The more we make peace with this the more we can enjoy every moment on this amazing planet.
Which brings me to a slightly deeper level. How does splitting the world into ‘Good’ and ‘Bad’ help?
My father died when I was 7 and yet I have had a blessed life. That grief has become part of who I am, how I raise my own kids so has become such a positive force in my life.
Simply living life and experiencing it is enough. What happens happens.
That is not to ignore our own responsibility for our actions or situations. So, we always have the opportunity to ask ourselves:
- How might I be contributing to my current situation?
- How are my stories about myself helping?
- How might I be pushing others away?
- How might I be sabotaging myself?
- What might I learn?
- What might I do differently today?
Questions in the Image:
- Why don’t good things last in my life?
- How do Good and Bad help?
- What might I not be seeing?
Want to Read More Around This Topic?
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl (link to Amazon.co.uk). The book delves into the importance of perspective, even in the direst of circumstances. Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, writes about finding purpose and meaning through suffering and life’s challenges.
Nurturing Curiosity – Daily Practice: This is part of the Nurturing Curiosity series of tools, insights and questions designed to help nurture curiosity as part of our daily practice. In point of fact, every interaction we have is an opportunity to question what we are observing and how we and others are seeing the world. Also remember that questions come in many forms throughout our day. This question has made me step back a little further and ask: “How might I live today more intensely?” Every moment on this planet can be special regardless of what is going on.
About Tom O’Leary
Tom guides bold pioneers through inner transitions towards regenerative futures.
His primary offering – through a process he calls Ecological Coaching – is about working with leaders on the mindset, skillset and structural shifts that will power their organisation’s outer transition.
This means helping leaders thrive while creating ripples of positive change within their organisation and most importantly for the communities they serve and ultimately life on this planet.
It is thus not just about the leader as an “individual” but rather as part of an ecology of relationships. Within this ecology, he helps the leader feel heard, gain clarity, take action, build confidence and thrive all in service of something bigger.
How Might Tom Help?
My first invitation is to take maximum advantage of the free content on this site.
- As you are reading this, you are clearly on a fascinating journey. If you feel you would benefit from us doing some work together on some aspect of your journey, please explore this page: How Can I Serve?
- I also endeavour to answer every email so if you have any queries do reach out.
