“When you find yourself in hell, keep going.”
~ Winston Churchill
“The best way out is always through.”
~ Robert Frost
It’s easy to think of happiness as something we experience when things are going well. And for many people, that’s the way it is. They are happy only when things are good, and miserable the rest of the time.
The fact is, happiness isn’t a product of a problem-free life. It’s a choice that is aided by your ability to deal with problems. So when things go horribly wrong in your business and your life, here’s how to infuse everything with happiness, and come out smiling on the other side:
1. Realise that change is a constant. Things will never remain horrible. They will never remain great. And, if you choose to see things as horrible, they will weigh on your mind much more than if you do your best to laugh them off, learn from the challenges, make the best of the situation and choose to be optimistic and cheerful. That’s not to say you should deny your feelings, or put on a fake happy face! It means choose to see the situation from a different perspective. How can this situation help you grow? How can you be enriched by it?
2. Worrying changes nothing. Complaining changes nothing. In fact, complaining is a pain in the arse for everyone around you, and worrying does nothing to solve the situation. Instead, step back and look at what the situation is teaching you.
3. Don’t be a victim, be a victor. Life will leave you with scars. If you look at your body, you will probably see a few scars. Do you still feel the pain of the injury? No. The scar means that the pain is gone, the wound is healed and you are stronger for the experience. So be thankful for the challenges you’ve gone through, and take ownership for your role in them. Becoming responsible is actually extremely empowering. And it makes you happy. If you created “this” (a problem) then you can create “that” (a solution). Take that power and run with it!
4. As the old saying goes, “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” It’s all in how you choose to look at things. Happiness comes from a conscious choice to see the best in a situation and not focus on the worst.
5. Be grateful. Gratitude eliminates worry, anxiety, anger, frustration and guilt. How is this challenge helping you? Enriching you? It might take time to uncover the hidden blessings, but they are there.
How can this help you when your business is failing? Take the lessons from the situation and apply them. Yes, this business may close its doors but that’s not the end of the world. You can refocus, pick up the pieces and rebuild them in a much more effective and successful way.
As Marc Chernoff says, “You have to stop worrying, wondering, and doubting every step of the way. Laugh at the confusion, live consciously in the moment, and enjoy your life as it unfolds. You might not end up exactly where you intended to go, but you will eventually arrive precisely where you need to be.”
Inspired by a blog post by Marc Chernoff on http://www.marcandangel.com/.