In life, you will inevitably encounter challenges, setbacks, or unexpected twists. Take me for example, I didn’t expect to be facing a failed attempt at University at 20yrs old. When things don’t turn out the way you planned it you leave you feeling overwhelmed, defeated, and totally lost. It can be easy to get caught up in a negative thought loop thinking that because this didn’t work out, nothing ever will or that it happened because you are and forever will be a Loser. I am here to tell you, that is wrong! And there is a powerful tool available to anyone who is stuck in this mindset pattern, that can help you to overcome these hurdles: reframing your perspective. It is about learning how to consciously shift the way you perceive a situation and recognise where there is room for growth.
Reframing is a mental exercise that requires a little creativity; there is no particularly right or wrong way to do it, you just have to look at a situation from different angles. It's not about denying reality or pretending that everything is perfect. Instead, it's about changing the lens through which we view our experiences. Was me quitting University (and burning some serious bridges – eek) a sign that university was not for me? Or simply was it case of wrong place, or wrong time? It ended up being a bit of both.
When you start getting into the habit of reframing, you will notice how it has a positive influence throughout your life. Setbacks become opportunities for learning or growth. You might even start to believe that everything happens for a reason… When I eventually restarted university elsewhere, I ended up meeting the BEST bunch of people who I can lovingly say are still a massively important part of my life some 15 years later. When we focus on the positive aspects of a situation, we naturally reduce the experience of stress. An everyday example… imagine you're stuck in a traffic jam or the train is late. Instead of dwelling on the frustration, reframe it as an opportunity to listen to that audiobook or podcast you've been meaning to start. Suddenly, the time doesn’t feel wasted anymore.
Reframing has the added advantage of strengthening our resilience; we become more adaptable and better equipped to handle adversity. When my first job didn’t turn out to be the right fit, I drew on my previous experience and knew that this could also be the start of something better Maybe you have experienced a job rejection, for instance. Instead of viewing it as a failure, reframe it as a chance to improve your skills, network, or explore other career options. This mindset shift can be a game-changer in your professional life.
How to practice Reframing
1. Awareness: Recognise when you're experiencing negative thoughts or feelings about a situation.
2. Identify Automatic Thoughts: Pinpoint the specific thoughts contributing to your negativity.
3. Question Assumptions: Challenge these thoughts by asking if they're based on facts or assumptions.
4. Find the Silver Lining: Look for positive aspects, opportunities, or lessons in the situation.
5. Reframe Your Perspective: Create a more positive narrative around the situation.
By practicing the art of reframing, we can reduce stress and become more resilient. So, the next time life throws you a curveball, remember that the power to reframe your perspective is in your hands!
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