Overachievers sometimes forget that changing their situation is merely a matter of adopting a different perspective.

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Several years ago, one of my mentors gave me the following guidance as I was wrestling with a challenging issue:

He taught me that, “What you see is how you see.”

This simple truth helped me understand that although I may not be able to control my circumstances, I can choose my perspective, which will positively influence how I experience life.

For example…

• Do I have to prepare for a long workday filled with clients, or do I get to engage with talented professionals looking to improve their companies?
• Is this person standing in front of my locker at the gym slowing me down or providing me with an opportunity to offer a friendly greeting?
• Do I have to wait in traffic, or do I get to enjoy a sunny spring day without interruption?

Reframing your situation in a positive light isn’t always easy, especially when life has been unfair. There are days when you won’t be able to see the glass as half full.

That’s OK.

When you stumble (which you will), cut yourself some slack and get back to making lemonade out of lemons.

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—CJ McClanahan

Speaker | Advisor | Recovering Overachiever

CJ McClanahan