“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.”
                                                  — William Shakespeare, Hamlet

It’s human nature to label the events in our lives as “good” or “bad,” especially when they don’t unfold according to our plans or expectations. But what if those very labels are limiting our growth? What if what we see as a setback is actually the beginning of a breakthrough?

One of the most profound lessons we can learn is that meaning is not found in the event itself, but in how we interpret and respond to it.

Sometimes life reminds us of this truth. It disrupts plans, shifts priorities, and forces us to adapt in ways we never imagined. And yet, for many, it can also became a time of deep reflection, renewed purpose, and unexpected opportunity. It shows us the power of perspective and the importance of staying nimble—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.Let me share a story that beautifully illustrates this idea.

Let me sha...

“We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are.”

                                                                                       - Anaïs Nin

Our problems and challenges can seem very real.

However, as leaders, we’ve all heard the term “perception is reality”.  The preconceptions and the beliefs we bring to situations can dramatically alter the way we perceive the world. This is particularly true in dealing with problems and challenges.  It is not a new concept in leadership that brining positivity, inquisitiveness and proactiveness to a challenge, will most likely net positive results.  In contrast, we are also aware that bringing negativity, pessimism and fear to the same situation, will most likely create less than optimum outcomes.

When we come right down to it, it is not what is happening to us that is the problem, but how we look at it and the perspective we bring to it.  I know this may seem “pollyana-ish”, particularly when we are in the thick of things.  B...