We tend to live our lives fixated on what we don’t have. This usually escalates to a whole other level during difficult times as our minds become consumed by what we no longer have because of these issues. Maintaining this mindset concentrated on what is missing is damaging and you should do all that you can to shift to a mentality that helps you focus on what’s available.

focus on what's available - graphic

“When things change for the worse, many desirable resources are inevitably missing – including information, knowledge, tools systems, personnel, and capabilities. These deficiencies can paralyze many people, who believe they can’t make decisions and take action. A strategic response is to take advantage of every resource that is immediately available in order to achieve as many small results and make as much daily progress as possible. Work with every resource and opportunity at hand, and your confidence will continually grow.” 

– Dan Sullivan, Strategic Coach

Focus On What’s Available

Be honest. Over the last few months, has a version of the following phrase passed through your mind or even left your lips?

“If we only had _____, we could ____.”

Odds are, that in one way or another, you’ve spent time dwelling on what you don’t have. Uncontrolled, this can lead to a mindset that is highly pessimistic and unrealistic in its expectations. If you truly want you to be happy and continue to progress as an individual or a business, you can’t let what’s missing from your life derail you from the opportunities for success that are more easily attainable.

Avoid Negativity

Negativity will blind you to the paths available and make progress much, much more difficult. Clear your mind when looking at your current situation and what you want for the future. Don’t be overly optimistic or pessimistic when evaluating your circumstances. This will help you see what resources you really have available and what realistic solutions are there to solve your problems.

Have Flexible, Realistic Goals

As mentioned in previously in the series, you likely will need to be flexible when evaluating your goals and plans. Crises can be a bump in the road rather than the brutal end to your journey as long as you can adapt to your circumstances.

Be Grateful

Lastly, just be grateful for what you do have. Your appreciation will leave no room to think “Woe is me!” or become envious. Instead of being stuck in a rut wishing you were somewhere else, you’ll actually be working your way to that desired destination.

MORE STRATEGIES…

Inspired by The “Scary Times” Manual by Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach, this is the ninth installment of the Strategies for Success Amid COVID-19 blog series focused on 10 strategies to help support growth and positive thinking during uncertain times.

We hope that you use this series as a resource to continue to progress during times of uncertainty. Follow Alexander’s on LinkedIn and Instagram as we feature the last strategy for progress and positivity during COVID-19.

Strategies For Success Amid COVID-19:
1. Forget about yourself, focus on others
2. Developing client and work relationships
3. How to create value for clients
4. Focus on your opportunities
5. Why you should focus on your progress, not your challenges
6. Forget about the future, focus on today
7. Six ways to focus on your future self
8. How to respond to unexpected events
9. Focus on your available resources
10. How to be more grateful

Alexander's

Alexander's

Alexander's is a full-service print and fulfillment and marketing communication firm in Lindon, Utah.

Leave a Reply