Too often people focus too long in one direction. They focus on what isn’t working well, what’s broken, and why.
You know, “the glass is half-empty” perspective.
This focus is very important and has its place. If something IS truly broken (not just imagined) and needs improvement, then it’s smart to figure this out, as quickly and completely as possible.
However, “what’s broken” only tells part of the story. If we over-focus on this and enlarge it beyond the place it deserves, then we end up with a skewed, inaccurate view of reality.
And this, my friends, carries with it its own set of consequences.
Add this to the mix: consider what IS working.
That’s right. Shift your focus to what’s going well, and where you’re already succeeding.
“And ignore what needs improvement??” Nooo. Just consider both.
It’s called INTEGRATION–bringing together the “good” and the “bad” in your perspective. Ignoring neither, and considering both.
This information and data that we cull from “what’s working” is rich and valuable. Don’t miss it.
And whereas looking at the problems can be DIS-couraging, looking at our successes can be EN-couraging. It’s energizing to remember where we’re doing well.
Get a read on where you’re knocking it out of the park and hitting those home runs. Bring to mind where you ARE “getting on base”. You’re NOT striking out everywhere, all the time. Realize this.
Make this shift of focus. Get the entire picture. Integrate.
Because that’s the way reality works. And life always works best when we’re aligned with reality.
Always.