2 questions to flip a negative to a positive

Who ever thought the covid global pandemic would last this long? I sure didn't. None of us had any idea what we were in for a year and a half ago. Some experts are saying to brace yourself because it's not over yet. Really?

Staying positive under these conditions is difficult ... and so very important for your health, productivity, and relationships.

You have challenges in your life; everyone does. Maybe it’s a work situation with a difficult boss, employee, client, or colleague. Or perhaps you’re grappling with a personal challenge like ending a relationship of many years, or some life-altering decision or condition.

Every now and then, life sends you a golden opportunity to walk your talk.?

I experienced that recently where I was going through a rough time and had a chance to consciously decide to be a victor, not a victim. The secret is flipping your perspective with two simple questions.

If you’re experiencing some workplace challenges, these questions will help you too.

Several years ago, for about four months, I have chronic shoulder, neck, and back pain, arrrggghhh! One-third of that year is filled with chiropractic treatments, massage, acupuncture, ultrasound, electric current, pain killers, and muscle relaxants, all of which provide little if any relief. When I deliver training or keynotes during this time, I make it through the day only with the help of pain medications (and I’ve gone through four miscarriages without popping an aspirin). Travel and lugging suitcases are brutal. While presenting, I grit my teeth and act my way through the day so no one knows the throbbing, deep ache I experience.

Then, finally, I get the results from a series of x-rays and learn the cause of these months of agony: “degenerative disc disease”, a type of arthritis in my back and neck, along with bone spurs and stenosis that are pressing on the nerves and radiating pain down both of my arms.

All this while we’re packing a three-bedroom home to move.

STEP #1: Acknowledge the loss

At first, I have a moment of “poor me”, and that is fine. In fact, it's better than fine as it is the first step to moving forward. You see, acknowledging your loss and putting it into words helps you work through your pain and flip your thinking around. Then I ask myself the second question:

STEP #2: Ask yourself these two questions:

a) how could it be worse?

b) what’s the gift?

Are you going through a difficult spell? Here’s an example of how these questions could apply in your situation. Let’s say you've returned to the office workplace and your boss is constantly asking to meet with you only to keep you waiting for a half-hour twiddling your thumbs. You’re getting frustrated, even angry. You have work waiting for you that you have been pulled away from and now you'll likely end up working late to get everything done on time. The boss seems oblivious to the inconvenience to you. That’s exactly the moment to use this “Flip It Formula” and ask the questions.

Q1: How could it be worse??

It could be worse than waiting to see your boss if, instead of wanting to meet with you, your boss was completely disinterested in your opinion, updates, or projects. It would be worse if he or she keeps you waiting an hour instead of half that time. Maybe when you walk in, it could be worse if you’re greeted with your boss screaming at you instead of getting on with the meeting (even if without an apology for keeping you waiting).?

Q2: What’s the gift??

Even though you’ve been kept waiting, you acknowledge that your boss is interested in your input. You get face-time with the head honcho that many only wish for. While waiting, you have time for some uninterrupted reading or replying to emails without colleagues popping their heads in your office.

You will benefit from applying these two questions to any painful situation you may be living, whether in your professional or personal life. They have sure helped me for years, and I am delighted to pass them over to you.

You may be wondering what happened with my shoulder situation. Here’s how I personally used the two key questions and what I came up with.

How could it be worse??

The pain could be completely prohibiting my movement of any sort instead of just restricting it. I could have a non-supportive husband and family who expected me to function as normal, regardless of the pain. We’re in the middle of packing up our 3-bedroom house and moving in a couple of weeks… I might have a shorter moving time and zero offers of help.

So what’s the gift??

The incredible support of others! When I mention my dilemma of not being able to pack up my house, my wonderful yoga colleagues (a.k.a., “yoga goddesses”), my neighbors, and my amazing friends, one by one, reach out and volunteer hours of their time to help. Wow, I was shocked and humbled. I never would have realized this kind of generosity if I weren’t in this situation. I will forever be grateful to each one of them. Another gift is the incredible support from my husband who was buzzing around me like a mother hen, ensuring I didn’t overexert myself (OK, so I’m goal-oriented), and pay for it later. He picks up the slack and is my biggest advocate in researching medical options.

What’s the challenging situation you’re dealing with??

Covid-related issues? Going back to work when you really would prefer to work remotely or a hybrid work situation? Reorganization threatening a job loss? A new unknown boss coming on the scene? A client who’s a real son-of-a-gun? Whatever tough situation you find yourself in, control what you can by asking these secret questions. You’ll find not only the answers, but a more positive outlook is waiting for you.

Let’s hear your story.

Reopening post-covid and keeping the business head above water is a challenge for many. Segments of the workforce these days are in states of great flux. Let’s hear about your challenge and how these questions helped. Here’s to flipping negatives to positives. Can’t wait to hear about your results.

PS: these questions are part of the trademarked “Flip It Formula” featured in my book, “THE FINKELSTEIN FACTOR”.?Marion’s latest book, THE FINKELSTEIN FACTOR. Got yours? ?Discover?THE FINKELSTEIN FACTOR : WHAT TO DO WHEN THINGS GO WRONG … BECAUSE YOU KNOW THEY WILL (SIGH).

?2021 Marion Grobb Finkelstein

Until next time, here’s to … Better communication, Better business, Better life,

Marion Grobb Finkelstein, WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION CONSULTANT, Keynote Speaker / Corporate Trainer / Author www.MarionSpeaks.com? [email protected] www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks www.dhirubhai.net/in/MarionSpeaks ?

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Communication consultant, author, professional speaker Marion Grobb Finkelstein teaches individuals and organizations across Canada how to improve morale, confidence and productivity by changing how they communicate. Chat with her at?www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks ?or?www.dhirubhai.net/in/marionspeaks ?and sign up for her FREE “Marion’s Communication Tips” at?www.MarionSpeaks.com

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