How to reframe a current problem as an exciting challenge ?

In his great TEDx speech, Shawn Anchor invites us to have an optimistic outlook on life can actually make you more successful. But aside from just hoping that good things will happen to you, how can you proactively build a more positive point of view? Start by reframing a few problems you’re facing as exciting challenges instead of barriers. It can help reduce your stress, improve your mental well-being, and maintain a more optimistic outlook overall.

How to do it:

1. Identify a problem that is affecting your job performance or getting you down.

If nothing jumps to mind, ask yourself:

• What have I been complaining about recently?
• Who or what is affecting my mood at work right now?
• What have I been avoiding on my to-do list?

2. Phrase the issue first as a complaint, and then as a challenge.

Describing the situation both ways will show you how reframing it can change your outlook on what to do next. For example:

• Complaint: Philippe isn’t doing what I ask him to do, and it’s really frustrating me.
• Challenge: Philippe is giving me an opportunity to improve at clearly assigning tasks and outlining expectations.
• Complaint: No one listens to my ideas during interdepartmental meetings.
• Challenge: Here’s a good chance to practice some new persuasion techniques.

3. Decide what steps to take to address this new challenge, and schedule a time to do it.

Now that you’ve identified a challenge, how are you going to approach it? Depending on the situation and its complexity, your first steps might be to:

• Create an action plan to tackle the challenge.
• Ask for a meeting with your manager to help you address the challenge.
• Discuss the challenge directly with another stakeholder (i.e., a peer or direct report).

4. When you speak about the challenge to others, talk about it with optimism rather than venting or complaining.

Every time you speak or write about a challenge as an opportunity, you help your brain shift to thinking this way about other situations. For example, instead of, “Ugh, this situation sucks,” try, “I’m excited to see whether I can meet this challenge — what suggestions do you have?”