I really like that Thoreau quote, because your perception of your circumstances can make all the difference. Are you seeing only problems, or also the possibilities? What you “see” determines what you get. Do you want “better” out of life? Then read on!
It is amazing how two people can look at the same set of circumstances and see things differently.
I like the old story of the shoe salesman who was sent to an impoverished area to sell shoes. When he arrived at his new assignment he saw that almost everyone was barefoot. He messaged his company that he was coming home, there is no market for shoes here, because no one wears shoes.
The company sent another shoe salesman to the same place, and he looked at the same set of circumstances. He immediately messaged his company to send more shoes, because almost everyone has no shoes and they all need them!
Now, I am not sure if that story is factual, but I do know the lesson is true. It all depends on what you see when you look at something.
Today you are facing a set of circumstances and how your day goes will depend largely on what you see in those circumstances. Try this exercise:
First, look at your circumstances and list all the negatives you see. When you have them listed, look at your list again and note how you feel.
Now, look at those circumstances again, but this time list all the positive possibilities you see. (Let your imagination run wild, while doing this!) Now, note how you feel. See, how much more energy you seem to have when you focus on the possibilities?
The truth is that what you see really depends on who you are, and who you are is your choice. You can choose to focus on the positive or the negative in every situation. Why not do both? Look carefully and the negatives, then ask yourself, “what are the possibilities in this situation?” This is not some Pollyanna routine, this is a proven way to analyze the problem and find the possibilities. Every problem in life is only the camouflage of possibilities. See into your circumstances, find the lessons, options, solutions, and possibilities that allow you to move forward with positive action. You will enjoy life more, have more success, and you might even live longer!
Make your day a POSSIBILITY DAY!
Danny