Fly on the E-Commerce Cyberwall

A Difference in Perspective
Some time back, I got a notice from the city that my house was in violation of some new housing code. I needed to redirect my rain gutters to conform.

Now, I don't consider myself much of a handyman. In fact, most of my life I've been down on myself for my lack of fixit knowledge. So I procrastinated the gutter work until actually past the deadline for conforming.

Finally, I set aside a day to do it. As is usual with my handyman work, it took me innumerable trips down to the basement for tools, two trips to the hardware store, and six hours of trial and error. But at last I got it done.

With past handyman projects, I've beaten myself up for my efforts. I would look back at the finished project and feel inadequate because I hadn't gotten everything perfect in the snap of my fingers.

I've found that kind of perspective very damaging, though, and have been working to root it out in all parts of my life.

With this project, I chose to look back on all my mistakes and obstacles not as indictments on my abilities as a handyman, but as proof that I can overcome all sorts of obstacles and find a way to succeed.

The difference is huge! Seeing it in terms of mistakes only increases reluctance to take on other necessary projects. Seeing it in terms of obstacles overcome builds confidence.

The same thing works with business tasks. Is there something you've been putting off because you're not sure you're up to it? Jump in.

If it's something new to you, you'll probably make mistakes. But rather than beating yourself up over them, find a way to overcome them. Then look back on the finished effort with increased experience and with increased confidence that you can overcome future obstacles as well.

Change your perspective. It's amazing how much the way you look at what you do can affect not only your satisfaction with your efforts, but also your ability to accomplish even more.
Jeff

Labels: mindset, motivation, personal growth