Article 163 - It's all about the perspective

Replacing negative thoughts and opinions with optimism and new and exciting opportunities

We always see what we want to see at least in our own mind, even if the reality is far from the image and opinions we created in our head. We structure our opinions about the outside world based on such images.

Often, when we encounter something great in our life’s path – new and exciting job opportunity or highly promising business venture, instead of being happy about what’s right in front of us, we begin looking for reasons why opportunities that present themselves to us are not good, in fact, we often do everything that we can to convince ourselves and others why such opportunities are bad and should be avoided. But how do we know? Why do we create such negative images and perspectives in our mind before taking a closer look at what’s available to us – new opportunities, new situations, and interesting people we had encountered? We do so because it is easier this way. We don’t have to step outside of our comfort zone where we feel safe and comfortable to explore something new and unknown, or to meet someone new, even when we complain to everyone around us how few friends we have. We do not want to change our perspective, because, that would mean that we must change and accept the possibility that we may not know everything and should listen to opinions and feedback of others, and adjust our thoughts, opinions, and actions accordingly. Why not just accept opportunities and people into our life without pre-judgement and with positive and open mind? It’s so easy to do, yet so few people actually do it. Instead, what often observed is constant search for something negative, something bad in every situation. And then we wonder why so many people are unhappy and dissatisfied with where they may be in life, both on the personal and professional fronts. I believe what we should do instead is create a positive environment for ourselves and other and make the best out of every situation wherever we may find ourselves to be.

Not happy where you are professional? Then think about the things that you may be able to do or change in your present financial situation in order to increase your job satisfaction and to create a solid path to keep moving forward towards your goals while enjoying what you do every day. Perhaps, you’ve been neglecting your personal development because you’ve been busy focusing all your time and energy on helping others, and not dedicating enough time for yourself and your own professional growth? Maybe you’ve been thinking about trying your professional skills and abilities in another professional role and capacity but have been afraid to share your wants and needs with our immediate boss not knowing how he or she would respond? But, how would we ever know how another person would respond if we never ask the question? We wouldn’t.

Not happy where you are financially? Why not analyze your existing financial situation, create a budget and plan to improve your current situation? I am certainly not a financial advisor, but if we do not know where money are going every month, why not list what you make and what you spend each month to better understand where there may be an opportunity to cut back on our expenses and seek new ways to increase the amount of money we bring in? Perhaps there’s an opportunity to start a part-time business and create additional sources of income, or look for additional growth opportunities within your existing role?

Opportunities to change and improve or enhance our present are all around us, all we really need to be willing to do is to keep positive mindset towards everything that we do and see. Instead of criticizing everything and everyone, we should look inside of us just to see if there’s an opportunity for us to change our thoughts, our perspectives, and overall view by changing it from negative and pessimistic to positive and optimistic. Be thankful for everything that we do have in our life vs. constantly focusing on what we want but don’t have just yet and look for ways to achieve that what we seek. Our mindset could be our biggest driver of positive change or unmovable roadblock created by our own fear and limiting beliefs and negativity. As Abraham Lincoln once said: “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”​

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I hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as I enjoyed writing it, and hope that you found it to be very useful for you or someone else that you may know. Please feel free to share this post if you know someone who may benefit from reading it same way you did