Tuesday, January 29, 2013

268. Think forward


Rather than asking why something has happened, meaning causal, learn to instead ask what did it happen for.

I believe that when we do this, it changes our perspective…instead of being helpless and victim, we become the means and tools of understanding and growth. 

If I were in an accident that totaled my car, it would be easy for me to get down on myself, blame myself for some mistake…maybe I should have left five minutes earlier…maybe I shouldn’t have stopped for coffee…I should have payed more attention…I should have blah blah blah…all these extraneous events lead us to feel small, less than, and out of control.  It turns us into victims and helpless.  It forces us to live in the past and consider all the places we made mistakes.

Instead, if I learn to instead ask “what did it happen for” or in other words, “what the hell can I learn from this?” I can now use the event as a means to build and learn.  I turn from victim to victor…I am able to understand now that the possible reason for the experience of the totaled car, has taught me to appreciate life for example.  It’s forward thinking.  It’s movement and growth.

Deeper than this, “what can I learn from this” puts me into a place of possibility that allows a deeper understanding of events and actions.  It gives you back your sense of control and allows you to feel as the driver of your own car versus the passenger of a speeding vehicle.  Change your mind set and move from passenger to driver.

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