“A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being.”—James E. Faust
Sometimes we are consigned in places or situations that for whatever reasons make us uncomfortable or frustrated. We might then be haunted with the “what if…” questions. In these circumstances the options are to: 1) move, 2) quit, or 3) accept.
There may be times when moving or quitting is appropriate, but before doing so, we must carefully consider our Purpose. We must ask if there might not be a reason for our being in this place or situation. Is being where we find ourselves consistent with our values and mission? If so, then perhaps, this is where—for at least a time—we are supposed to be. We must accept the circumstances in which we find ourselves.
Accepting does not mean we surrender. We should not resign ourselves to begrudging each day. Carpe momento.
How sad is it that many people look at Mondays—the start of the workweek—with angst? How tragic is it that we use phrases like: “hump day” and “thank God it’s Friday”? We always should approach our circumstances with enthusiasm.
So, how does one turn feelings of unease into enthusiasm? The only way is to choose to be enthusiastic. One needs to be deliberate in shaping one’s approach to his or her circumstance—after all, attitude shapes attitude.
We can shape our attitude by expressing our gratitude. We can consider the place or situation we are in as an opportunity. When we take this approach, we are then able to look for the purpose(s) in being where we are.
If we find ourselves in such a place, we first need to visit our core values and our mission statement. We must ask ourselves “How does my current situation fit with my values and mission?” We look at the opportunities we have today to live out our core values where we are.
Eight years ago, this week, I moved from the Midwest to Oregon with my wife, 3 year-old son, 5 month-old daughter, a yellow lab and a cat. I had left a good job and salary (and turned down a possibly better paying position) for a much lower paying position with a lower academic rank and uncertain circumstances. We left Michigan without my wife having found a job, but convinced we were being called to opportunities in Oregon. Over time, however, it has grown easier to look back at what might have been and grow increasingly frustrated with what is. I have found myself focusing on the negatives and where opportunities were lacking, and neglecting the opportunities. My negative attitude was certainly shaping my negative attitude.
My choices are limited. Changing jobs as a full professor with the constraint of having to remain within a commutable distance is improbable and nearly impossible. Changing my attitude is the only option.
My core values are: faith, family, friends, growth, health, and impacting others.
My mission is to faithfully honor and love my God, my family, and my neighbors; to pursue growth in all dimensions of my life; and to have a positive impact on the lives of others.
My actions were not consistent with my core values and my mission. So, I have made the choice to be intentional and reshape my attitude. I made the choice to create my own satisfaction.
Gratitude is the first step in accepting our circumstances. Too often, we neglect to consider the things for which we are grateful and focus on the few frustrations in our lives. Gratitude shines a light on our opportunities.
In my case, it grew increasingly easy to focus on where I was not having impact and neglecting where I was having an impact. I was focused on vexations rather than opportunities. This needed to change.
As a habit, we should regularly (if not daily) list our gratitudes. We should consider our opportunities. We must make the decision every morning to be excited for the day. Doing these things should coincide with the acceptance that we have a Purpose in the place we find ourselves. Our place may be permanent or it may be temporary, but, either way, we are where we are. We need to make the best of our situation.
Focus on the positives. Create an atmosphere of excellence. Malcolm Gladwell calls this the “Power of Context.” Blocking the negativity (and negative people) and affirming the positives may well be the tipping point that leads to (extra)ordinary success.
If you find yourself in less than ideal—less than exceptional—circumstances. Choose to shift your mindset. Cultivate the opportunity. Be grateful where you are. Chances are you are where you are for a Purpose. All it takes is to recognize that there is excellence where you are and to seize the moment.
Carpe momento!