If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that unexpected and unprecedented events can and will happen. COVID-19 brought chaos into our lives. We were completely blind-sided. Some of us fought to keep things as they once were, while others saw it as an opportunity to create a new normal.

How did you react to the pandemic? Was your life turned upside down? Are you still recovering from the disturbance? Did you fight to keep things the same, or did you create a new normal? Chances are the way you reacted to the COVID-19 pandemic mirrors how you react when you face other challenging and unanticipated life events. The good news is that your behaviors can be modified and optimized so you can react positively and proactively. Imagine if you could thrive in chaos, where unexpected and challenging events inspire you instead of derailing you. I want to share five life-changing guidelines that will completely reframe how you handle disturbances so that you can not only survive but THRIVE in challenging times. These guidelines will help you in all aspects of your personal and professional life, making them essential.

Guideline #1 - Acceptance

Knowing and accepting something are two different concepts. For example, you know things will happen out of your control but accepting it is a totally different ball game. It’s important to truly and wholly accept that you are human and having 100% control of everything is not only impossible but ultimately unsustainable.

When an unanticipated life event happens, the first thing you need to do is accept the situation. Accept that it has happened. Accept that you will find a positive opportunity in this challenge. Accept that things happen for a reason, and there’s a lesson to be learned.

Guideline #2 - Go with The Flow

Acceptance is a mindset. You are mindfully accepting the situation as it is and without judgment. To go with the flow is the action behind this mindset.

It’s common for people to resist change and fight with all their might to keep things as they once were, but all this does is blind you from reality. You will waste precious time and energy resisting change; instead, lean into it and go with the flow. Allow yourself to see the situation for what it really is and look for creative ways to make this event work for you in a positive way.

Guideline #3 - Reframe and Reinvent

When something unexpected happens, it gives you a beautiful gift—the gift to reframe and reinvent yourself. Perspective is a powerful thing. I challenge you to reframe how you see, feel, and think. To take it one step further, I challenge you to reinvent yourself. Who do you have to be to see the positive in this situation?

Since many unexpected and challenging events spark negative thought patterns and self-talk, it will take some effort on your part. The easiest way to disengage negativity is by positively reframing your thoughts and reinventing how you react.

Guideline #4 - Innovate

Once you allow yourself to reframe and reinvent, you awaken powers. Yes, powers. Positive emotions and positive thinking stimulate segments of your brain that are responsible for generating creativity, feelings of empathy, love, and inspiration. These are powerful when activated. When this part of your brain is stimulated, you can see new creative and innovative ways you can react to the situation. You can find gifts in any situation and clever ways to navigate your life forward in a positive and proactive way.

When you reach this clear, laser-focused mentality, you will see the gift of knowledge and inspiration in any life-altering situation. If you are a more visual person, I encourage you to write down all the innovative ways you can handle the situation and identify the gifts.

Guideline #5 - Activate

When you get a flood of creative and innovative ideas, you will feel empowered and eager to take action. You guessed it, it’s time to activate those ideas into motion. Positive intention is not enough, action is required!

What actions do you have to take to activate your creative ideas? Commit to these actions and execute. It’s as simple as that.

It’s never too late to start using and practicing these guidelines. Visualization is a great tool to help you practice. You can start by thinking back to previous life events, like how you reacted to COVID-19, replay them in your mind and visualize how you would react using these five guidelines. You’ll be amazed at your transformation.

If you’re ready to take these guidelines to the next level, I will help you completely transform your life. In my program, Saboteur to Sage, you’ll strengthen your positive thinking muscles and activate your positive powers in all aspects of your life. There’s no better time than the present.

Learn how this app-driven program will change your life!

Have questions? Send me an email at deborah@e3lifecoach.com or give me a call, (803) 292-9999.