Forward Focus Your Way to Breakthrough

"It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light."
                                                                 — Aristotle Onassis

Each year, I’m blessed to travel the country, sharing the empowering message of Black Belt Leadership and the Mind of a Champion with teams, organizations, and individuals hungry to reach new heights.

One powerful theme I share is how the stories we tell ourselves — especially the negative ones — can secretly disempower us, trapping us far from the happiness, success, and fulfillment we deserve.

But here’s the good news: when we shift into Forward Focused thinking, we don't just overcome obstacles — we transform them into stepping stones. Challenges become blessings. Setbacks become setups for our greatest breakthroughs.

A Simple Exercise That Can Change Your Life

During many of my keynotes and workshops, I guide participants through an exercise where they share a challenge they're facing. But there’s a twist...

I invite them to dramatize their struggle, channeling their inner Tom Hanks or Meryl Streep, going for the Oscar in conveying just how unfair, painful, and infuriating their situation feels.

The room quickly fills with loud voices, animated gestures, and intense expressions — everyone fully releasing their emotions. It’s cathartic and necessary.

Then, the real magic happens.

Participants are asked four simple but profound questions:

1. What’s REALLY happening here? (Minus the drama)

Instead of getting caught in our painful narrative, we simply state the facts.

Example:

• Drama version: "My boss is a total jerk who ruins my weekends!"

• Fact version: "My boss asked me to complete a report by Monday morning."

   

See the difference? Freedom begins when we separate fact from story.

2. What POSITIVES can I find?

Every experience — no matter how painful — holds a gift if we’re willing to see it.

Maybe the lost job led you to a new, fulfilling career.
Maybe the heartbreak helped you grow into your best self.
Maybe the illness taught you strength and gratitude.

In every challenge, there is a hidden blessing.

3. What’s a SOLUTION?

When we stay stuck in the question, "Why me?", we stay stuck in suffering.
But when we ask, "What’s my next right move?", our creativity unlocks.

Solutions are everywhere.

But they only reveal themselves to a mind that’s looking for them.

4. What ACTION can I take right now?

The fastest way to break through fear, anger, or helplessness is to take action.

Big or small, when we move forward — we reclaim our power.
Challenge isn’t what drains us. It’s stagnation that suffocates our spirit.

Name one goal you’re excited about right now — and I guarantee, it’s the challenge that makes it exhilarating.

Now, be honest:

• Where have you been stuck telling an old story?

• Where can you shift into solution-based, forward-focused thinking today?

When you do, you’ll begin tapping into the immense reservoir of strength, wisdom, and creativity that’s been inside you all along.

This is exactly what I teach in my speaking programs, private coaching, and inside the Breaking Through Online Coaching Program.

If you’re ready to stop living by old stories and start creating a bold, inspiring new chapter — I invite you to connect with me.

Let’s break through together.

👉 [Learn More About My Programs Here]

To your breakthrough,

Chris Natzke
America’s Breakthrough Sensei
Black Belt Leadership Speaking & Coaching