Inevitably there will be times when you have setbacks or things don t go your way. Maybe you didn't get a job you thought you were sure to get. Maybe you lost a job unexpectedly, didn't win a contract, or lost a major client. Your car always seems to break down right after you've had some other unexpected expense. These kinds of situations immediately place us in crisis. They don t feel good, but sometimes they re what we need in order to grow. The beautiful thing about crises is that they force us to take a step back and reevaluate what s going on in our lives and rediscover what we truly want and need. When we get over that initial shock and feeling of disappointment, we might realize that maybe that job wasn't really the best for us anyway. Maybe, just maybe, that wasn't what you really wanted to spend your life doing. Maybe that friend was holding you back instead of pushing you forward. The way I deal with crises of these sorts is simple: If something doesn't go my way professionally, I try to create a situation that would be more rewarding than the situation originally planned. A while ago, I was offered a job that looked very promising. After I accepted the offer, they pushed the start date back three times, later informing me (via e-mail) that they wanted to bring me on in the near future but I should feel free to explore other options. I was extremely disappointed. I felt disrespected and angry, but decided to make the best of the situation and follow my dream of working internationally. I then flew to Santiago, Chile and had great professional and personal experiences I wouldn't have had otherwise. Later, reflecting back on the original opportunity, I realized that working for a company that avoids a start date three times and then can t pick up the phone to explain the situation is probably not where I need to spend my time. Use setbacks as an opportunity to put your goals in order and act on them. In the moment, it s difficult to look at a setback as temporary, but they are. They happen to everybody. It s how you respond to them that will determine how they affect you.
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One of the most beautiful things about the holiday season, for me, is that it provides a time to slow down. During this time of year, I find myself taking a few more moments to reflect and additional time thinking about how much I appreciate all the people in my life. I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by such wonderful people and to swim in the circles I do.
This year has been a year change. Again, I find myself in a new environment, a new job, a new school, a new state, new connections, working on new projects, and the list goes on. Through it all, you have been there to advise and support me. I appreciate you. Thank you for serving as an inspiration, a guiding light, a knock on the head, or whatever it was I needed in that moment. I hope I have been the support you have needed as well.
As we enter a new year I wish you the very best holiday season, safe travels, good health, and love.
Warm wishes,
Michael B. Maine