Recently I attended a training for my coaching program and one of our assignments was to create or reconfigure a task or situation to be a positive opportunity for all involved, a win/win. While reflecting on and yes, struggling with this exercise, I realized that many of the projects, tasks, and responsibilities that I have can be viewed in this light. It’s all about my attitude and my intention.
Deciding to think about challenges and responsibilities with this framework can feel liberating and uplifting. Here are some of the benefits and attributes of seeing the world this way,
- The effort is positive in some way for everyone involved
- People endeavor to understand each other
- So-called problems can be viewed as opportunities
- There is meaning and purpose to this and all efforts
- People feel a sense of confidence and calmness when engaged this way
Does this sound too good to be possible? I believe the answer is ‘no,’ but there are hurdles to overcome. To generalize, there are internal hurdles and external ones as well. Internal are one’s own negative mindsets. For example, someone could make the assumption that plans will not go well, or a problem is impossible to resolve. For example, finding someone to share office space will be difficult, so just settle and make the best of a less than desirable situation. Or, a small and shrinking service club will continue to dwindle and nothing can be done about it.
Note the word ‘assumption.’ First, become aware of these negative thoughts and assumptions. Next, after this realization, open up to seeing these issues in a new light. Why not focus on the possible. For example, decide to be open to all who came to look at the office space and work with them to make it a good fit for both parties. Choose to have some faith that even if the process takes longer, this effort will pay off for both people. Perhaps rent will be higher for a while, but having the right person share the space would be better in the long run.
And for the shrinking club, how about finding ways to recognize the members who are in the club now? Celebrate those who do contribute and attend. Hearing stories of dedication and achievement can be uplifting and empowering, and also help others to see what is possible. And, this activity may attract new members.
Of course, as I noted above, there are external hurdles, too. In some instances, there is little control over a project or a situation. Others might have their own negative perspectives and assumptions about a project. Or, external circumstances may be difficult or challenging. If either of these scenarios occur, offer positive thoughts and suggestions, and then hold a
positive viewpoint and mindset. It may or may not make a difference in the outcome or in others’ perceptions. Above all, one does not have to be pulled down into a negative mindset. Choose to hold on to a perspective of possibility.