How to Find Motivation From the Most Dramatic Situations

Despite the severity of any given circumstance, finding the positive angle in these situations does wonders for our self confidence, creates tremendous self esteem and provides the necessary motivation for us to overcome the hurdle. This aids us in gaining control of the situation thus reducing stress and helping to form a sense of well-being.

How then are we able to take anything positive from a dire event?

There is a technique called “reframing”.

Try removing the frame from a much loved picture. Now place a completely different style of frame around that picture. Although the picture is still the same it appears different. Perhaps another part of the picture stands out more or maybe the mood created by the image changes in some way. Whatever it may be, it is not the same picture. The likelihood is that we will have created a greater appreciation of the original frame.

In any given situation, altering the frame of reference gives us a realisation of the negative aspects and armed with this new realisation, we are able build a more positive and confident attitude to a difficult problem.

There are two steps to reframing that we should follow if we want to view a negative circumstance with greater optimism.

Understand the original frame. Ask ourselves, how do we feel about the situation we find ourselves in? Are we angry or desperate, frustrated even? What do we feel like doing about the position we find ourselves in?
Create a new frame to find positive aspects of where we find ourselves so we can vastly improve our motivation and change the situation.

We can use the example of having missed the train. The negative stance would be something like,

“What an idiot I am. I should have walked faster then I wouldn’t have missed it. Now I’m going to be really late home”.

Reframing it to give the situation the positive view point could be,

“Hey ho, never mind. Now I’ve got time to buy the wife’s birthday card and then grab a coffee and chill out”.

Always try to look for the blessings in disguise and this will enhance our self esteem so much. The way of looking at the more dramatic circumstance of losing our jobs with more optimism maybe,

“Well at least I will have more time to spend with my family. I can even use the time to retrain for a different career”.

Concentrating on a solution rather than the problem is another terrific way of reframing a situation. Take the example of a roof leaking.

The negative stance is,

“My roof leaks, now I’m going to get water everywhere”.

“Replace the tile and the leak is mended”, is the positive view and is also finding the solution.
By saying,

“My job is really stressful, I don’t know how I’m going to get over all these problems”, is looking at the problem.

“My job is really interesting. Overcome all these problems and I can really prove my worth”, is trying to find solutions and really helps to provide the motivation to take on what has now become a challenge.

Using common phrases helps to create positive ness and confidence.

“It could be worse”.

“Everything happens for a reason”.

“It’s only money. Other people have far greater problems”.

These are typical illustrations of phrases that we can use to promote optimism in hard times.

To take something positive from traumatic events such as a life threatening illness or bereavement may seem like a tall order. But salvaging something positive from such difficult times creates the inspiration to carry on and get on with life. To see these events as being part of the bigger picture gives us a reason to move forward. Having a deep conviction in faith and religion, thus holding on to our spirituality can certainly be another reassuring quality that helps get us through the most trying of circumstances.

Reframing may not necessarily make every picture seem like an image of roses, but it will provide acceptance. It also helps us to learn from the most traumatic of experiences.

Optimism, self esteem, confidence, motivation and inspiration can certainly be drawn from viewing situations in a positive light.

Terry Norrington

www.whitedovebooks.co.uk/index#terryn1

www.getselfconfident.com