Reflecting back on decades

As perhaps do a number of you, I tend to read a lot; I’m sort of nerdy from that perspective. Recently I was reading a book on moving forward when negative things happen to you. As I am sure most of you can attest, there are times in our lives when things simply aren’t going as planned: the job may be a problem, health issues or perhaps spouse or family issues. The book talked about how we each individually deal with these challenges. The essence of the book was that to the extent practicable, during these down times, we should refocus our attention on those things that will prepare us for moving on to that next great upswing in our personal lives. In short, take the down time of the negative moments in our lives to refocus our attention away from the negative and toward the positive, recognizing there will always be a next great upturn and with it, opportunities that we need to be prepared for.

Of the eight topics addressed, the book spoke to two things in particular that really resonated with me: 1) keep the bigger picture in mind, and 2) never stop learning.

Keeping the bigger picture in mind is harder than it sounds when the many potential opportunities are not yet on our radar screen. But, learning is something we can always do, and the result of our increased knowledge may very well align to future opportunities, even though we cannot see them yet.

To this end, I reflected back on my own life. It was during negative times of turmoil, when things weren’t going as expected, that I refocused my attention to those positive areas where I possessed the greatest strength. During these times I pursued and earned my MBA and then my doctorate. With these as credentials, I subsequently wrote two books, which went international in seven countries. Looking back on those times when things seemed darkest, I now see how refocusing my attention on positive areas where I possessed strength had paid off in multitudes when the inevitable upturns and attendant opportunities reclaimed my life.

During this great holiday season, between the hustle and bustle, perhaps you too, for whatever reason, may be in an unfortunate lull state in your life. I ask that you think about the inevitable upturn and ask yourself, “Am I preparing now for what’s to come?” Things will, and do, always get better.

When you are ready to go to that next level, we are here to help you. Each of our staff in ProSTAR has his/her own stories, all different, but similar in that we each recognize the power of education in helping us to achieve our dreams.

As you spend time this holiday season with family and friends, take a moment to reflect on where you want to be in the years ahead. Life can be tremendously meaningful, with the proper planning and education.

From our ProSTAR family to yours, we wish you and your loved ones the very best this holiday season. Call us sometime. We’d love to hear from you!

With the very warmest of wishes for the holidays,
Mitch

 

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