Continuing the From Problems to Opportunities series, I want to share details on ways we can go about changing our perspective by breaking down each of the points. Check out: From Problems to Opportunities and Step 1: Preparing for Opportunity to catch up on the series. Thank you for reading, your comments and emails are amazing and insightful!
STEP: 2 Acknowledge your current situation and the role you have
played in creating it. Often, when we're unhappy in situations – our workplace, relationships,
finances, etc. – we tend to gloss over our role in creating the situation.
Consider the behaviors you've exhibited over the years, and commit to refining
and using more of the positive behaviors that have worked. Fully admit to
yourself your role in negative and/or hurtful experiences – whether they were
hurtful to you or someone else.
Honestly acknowledging our role leading to our current circumstances or past hurts is essential dealing with our issues rather than burying them. Acknowledgement is also the key to a new start. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.
- Admit to past mistakes and learn from them. Wise and successful individuals tend to quickly acknowledge their mistakes because it accelerates progress. When thinking of your past, if there's a pattern of behavior (are you always outspoken, do you run from conflict – even if you're right), let this be the year you try something different with your responses in situations.
- Support from trusted friends and colleagues. Identify trustworthy friends and even colleagues to support and educate you through this process. They can provide valuable feedback based on their observation of you over-time. Ask specifically about situations that you would have preferred a different outcome, and accept their feedback – even if you disagree! Ask questions about their feedback, rather than dispute their points. The value in this information is the other person's perspective and having a more complete view of the situation.
- Changing your approach. Brainstorm ways you can handle upcoming or even ongoing situations differently and reach out to those you've identified as trusted friends and colleagues to help you in this. Become an active listener if you're normally talkative, commit to being on time if you have a history of being late, etc.
For more tips on acknowledging your truth and also Owning Your Value go to:
Living Fabulously Fierce.
For additional prayer visit http://tabernacleofpraisemin.org/ or call 781-963-5300.
About the author
Sharon has a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. She combines her experience as an art director, understanding of healthy child development and therapeutic interventions to offer interactive art and talk therapy to clients. Sharon is a wife and mother who is passionate about family life and early childhood development and education. Sharon is known for her commitment to God, excellence and family; comedic wit and ability to empathize with others. "Love you to life!"
Love this! I am an avid believer that we/people do not take enough responsibility for our/their own actions. It is easy to point fingers but we have to take responsibility for the part we play in a situation. Daily evaluation is so important. Many deny truth about themselves, hate to look in the mirror and therefore remain stuck and in bondage.
ReplyDelete@Demirra, so glad you enjoyed it! Well said, "Daily evaluation is so important. Many deny truth about themselves, hate to look in the mirror and therefore remain stuck and in bondage."
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading and commenting!