I’m currently listening to the book The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday. I listen to a lot of audiobooks while I’m exercising on the elliptical during the cold winter months. It gets me thinking and keeps me moving.
I like to keep a notepad next to the elliptical to jot down points that resonate with me from the books I’m listening to. In this book, the particular point of the choice of the word got my attention. Ryan explains in his book that we have a choice to put the word I in front of difficult situations. I don’t like this. I can’t do this. I am challenged by this.
It really is just a choice. We all have obstacles we face in our jobs, personal lives, and families. Some just make them look easy. I have been putting this into practice in the new year and enjoying the benefits. Sometimes we get bogged down with the war in our own minds that everything is against us. Not true. Everyone is faced with these challenges; it’s just how you look at them and deal with them that make the difference.
The great Dr. Rob Gilbert from the Success Hotline shares a positive affirmation to repeat in your head over and over: “because of this, something good will happen.” “Because of this, something good will happen.” If you say that affirmation out loud and in your head, it’s just shaping the way you look at the obstacle. You’re looking for a positive outcome instead of a negative one. Try it. I think you will be happy with the results.
If I can help you in any way, don’t hesitate to reach out at @andrewmarotta21 (https://twitter.com/andrewmarotta21) on Twitter. Keep Rolling friends.
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#LeadershipSparks: A Story About April Fool’s Day
Quote:
“Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you’ll be able to see farther.”
J. P. Morgan