5 WAYS TO SHIFT YOUR MINDSET WHEN YOU CAN'T CHANGE THE SITUATION

Hi my friend,

Fall has arrived in Seattle, and with it some of the gray and rain?

I tend to completely forget about over the summer.

In my first few years here,?

this time of year would be the beginning of seven months of complaining.

Which, of course, changes exactly nothing about the weather.

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So after a few years, when I knew I would stick around,

I gave myself a fall/winter motto:

“Embrace the Gray”.

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I murmured it like a mantra whenever I went outside

or just felt like bitching about the dark skies –

and to my own surprise, it worked.?

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It allowed me to reframe my experience.

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Since then I can deal with it a lot better?

(and to be fair, climate change is giving us a lot more winter sunshine).

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Still, it usually takes me a few weeks to get used to fall.

And every year I follow more or less the same steps –

which I want to share with you because there’s a lot more in our lives

beside the weather than we cannot control, right?

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This is how you can reframe experiences?you cannot change:

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1. Create a mantra?

Just like “Embrace the Gray” has provided a reminder for me to focus on what’s beautiful about this time of the year, you may want to develop a simple phrase that helps you shift your mindset about a difficult or unchangeable situation. For example, if you’re facing constant last-minute changes, try, “Adapt and thrive.”

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2. Focus on what you can control?

When it comes to the weather, it’s mostly clothing, or when to leave the house. At work, when things feel out of your hands, identify small areas where you do have control—whether it’s organizing your workspace or setting boundaries on your time. This helps reduce feelings of frustration and helplessness.

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3. Find the silver lining

Look for one benefit in the situation, even if it’s small: I really enjoy bringing out my soft blankets, fuzzy socks, cashmere lounge pants (best gift to myself ever!) and scented candles. At work, a tough project may offer the chance to learn new skills or connect with new colleagues. This shift in focus can make the challenge feel more like an opportunity.

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4. Practice acceptance

Accepting what you can’t change doesn’t mean giving up; it means being practical and focusing your energy on moving forward instead of fighting reality. Acknowledge the challenge and ask yourself, “What’s my best way to respond?” No matter how much you may not be able to change a situation, you can always change how you respond.

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5. Find the fun

I won’t lie to you, some fall/winter months are still hard for me, especially November and February. That’s why I plan special activities ahead of time. I have really gotten into holiday celebrations over the past few years, I enjoy hosting my girlfriends on Sunday afternoons, and I love a mini get-away, preferably to a warmer place. What's it for you?

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By adopting these strategies, you can reframe situations you can’t control?

– at work and generally in life –?

and approach them with a more positive, resilient mindset.

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How does this resonate?

I hope it's helpful, and I'd love to hear your tips as well!

Love, Micha

P.S. If you want to hire me as a workshop facilitator or keynote speaker for your next event, please reach out to [email protected] or book time on my calendar: bit.ly/CallGoBig

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