Problems Can be Opportunities in Disguise
by : Denis Waitley
One of the most desirable attitudes of a leader is an ability to view problems as opportunities and setbacks as temporary inconveniences. This positive attitude also welcomes change as friendly and is not upset by surprises, even negative ones. How we approach challenges and problems is a crucial aspect of our decision making process, whether in business or in our personal lives. In companies and environments in which criticism, pessimism, cynicism, and motivation by fear prevail, an attitude develops that leads to avoiding failure at all costs. The trouble with failure avoidance is that it’s simultaneously avoidance of success, which depends on big risks.
Innovation and creativity are impossible when people are in fear of being penalized for failure.
Early experience often teaches that failure is to be avoided at all costs. This begins in childhood, when we encounter the first “No!!” It grows like a weed when we are criticized by our parents, other family members, our teachers, and our peers. It leads to associating ourselves with our mistakes, and to a self-image of clumsiness and awkwardness. Not wanting to be criticized or rejected, many adults also seek security rather than risk looking foolish or appearing awkward. They quietly ride with the system, not rocking the boat.
All lasting success in life is laced with problems and misfortunes which require creativity and innovation. Winners turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
In the 1920s, when Ernest Hemingway was working hard to perfect his craft, he lost a suitcase containing all his manuscripts. The devastated Hemingway couldn’t conceive of re-doing his work. He could think only of the months he’d devoted to his arduous writing - and for nothing, he was now convinced.
But when he lamented his loss to poet Ezra Pound, Pound called it a stroke of luck. Pound assured Hemingway that when he rewrote the stories, he would forget the weak parts and only the best material would reappear. Instead of framing the event in disappointment, Pound cast it in the light of opportunity. Hemingway did rewrite the stories, and the rest, as they say, is history.
This week, concentrate on framing your challenges as “opportunities to grow” rather than “disappointments and problems.”
About The Author :
Denis Waitley
For years, “Coach” Denis Waitley has taught high-performers the secrets to optimal health, great self-esteem and strong self-discipline. Now, here’s the great news. With Dr. Waitley’s “portable coaching system”, their secrets are now within your grasp! If you’re interested in: Cracking the code to having a fat burning, disease fighting, age defying body and mind * Discovering the secrets to earning more money than you’ll ever need * Finding out how to manage your time and maximize your performance * Unlocking the secrets to setting and achieving your goals, and do it so well it becomes second nature to you — In other words — Living A Healthy And Wealthy Life, click this link to find out more: http://www.yoursuccessstore.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=273&kbid=5968
Recent Entries
- WHO ELSE WANTS TO BE SUPER-ORGANIZED?!
- Looking for safety?
- Influence or Association
- Enjoy greater sales success and increased income
- Look inside for direction
- Conquer fear with action
- What Is Motivation
- If Selling - Listen to the Symptoms by Ron White
- Relieve the pressure cooker
- Reawaken your curiosity
