How We React To Adversity, Part 2

Part 2 of a 5-Part Series: “How We React To Adversity“

If an event does not have a defined outcome and is mainly defined by your reactions, why don’t you steer our reactions towards a better outcome? Even though you cannot control the misfortunes and adversities in life, you are in charge of your attitude towards them.

Imagine. if you are faced with a challenge and you know the outcome is your responsibility, would it influence the way you would react? The only person who is in control of the outcome is yourself. When you start taking responsibility and deliberate the importance of the reactions on the outcome, you begin to approach the situation in a more constructive manner.

What springs to mind is the famous quote of Viktor Emil Frankl, the founder of Logotherapy and author of “Man’s Search for Meaning” who had experienced calamity and suffering first-hand:

I believe those words express the significance of your part in writing your own script when faced with adversity.

When you understand and accept there will be stumble blocks throughout your life you begin to focus on cultivating the skill of how to circumnavigate these to reach your destination. When you realise the life is the most precious gift, you would want to take actions to treasure it. 

When Randy Pausch famously said the following words in his last lecture, faced with terminal illness, he understood the only control he had was how he construed the situation.

So, what do resilient people do? They investigate what was the cause rather than blaming anyone one or anything. They think how they can use the learning to create opportunities and make the best possible outcome. Once they understand the challenge they are encountering they direct their energy into the possible outcomes and how they can achieve them, rather than dwell in self-pity. 

You can envision the outcome most desirable but carefully contemplate all the options and opportunities available along with any hindrances which could arise. Once the outcomes are well-thought-out in a systematic manner you can create ways to overcome any foreseeable impediments and seek help and guidance to deal with them in a positive manner.

The next time you feel angry, frustration or self-pity consider the options and remember you are still in the driving seat and you are in charge of your destination. Only you have the power to create your future.

We are not defined by our past, the only thing what defines you is your future. So make your choices wisely and take actions you would be proud of!

Originally published in LinkedIn on December 23, 2018