Opportunities can come in any disguise!

You must all have heard these positive optimists saying that 'there is an opportunity in everything, even in the things that seem bad for us'. Or that 'there is always something to be learned, even in the darkest moments'.

And you, like me, would shrug your shoulders and answer with a sarcastic 'Yeah, Right!'

I decided to humour the optimists and try their theory as one of my 'get out of your comfort zone' actions. Recently I got stabbed in the back really badly by a bunch of people I trusted. Assumptions were made about me and taken for truth in combination with some personality clashes. It wasn't a particularly nice experience but I decided not to react and instead to look at what I could learn from the experience.

I found that by not reacting people who were on the periphery of the issue started to confide in me with what they heard and took my side. I thanked them for their trust and insisted I didn't need them to take sides.

I analysed the entire situation and discovered there were things I could have done better to avoid some of the fallout. I then checked for the root cause of my reactions and found that I had compromised on my values by changing direction with my company on others advice. Take note that though the issue had nothing to do as such with the company, it still found its roots in it.

I have now altered the direction of the company back to my value set and passion and will grow from there by taking several actions in the next few weeks (that's a bit scary but good scary!). I have also learned how I'm going to deal with the people who stabbed me in the back whilst keeping my eyes firmly on the outcomes I desire.

So whenever you find your self in a situation that is harmful to you, don't react! Check for the root cause and what YOU can do better. Alter YOUR direction as you have no control over others. Keep YOUR values and desired outcomes as your primary motivation. And finally figure out how best to deal with the root cause.

I think I might join some of the optimists after all this. Because you know what, there is an opportunity to learn in every situation.

Happy weekend,

Patrick

Introductions please!

Hi all,

The answer is probably zero.

 

You change the habits your self and unless you are of similar nationality than me, you don't need any Belgians to change your habits. You could do with one to help you facilitate the change though :)

Please allow me to introduce myself. I landed in Shannon from Brussels Airport in December 1994 and have never left. I love Limerick and it's people to bits and love living in Ireland.

I worked in Retail, IT and Communications companies until I decided to start my own business after getting a Diploma in Personal & Business Coaching with the Irish Lifecoach Institute (www.ili.ie).

I am in business about 6 years now and have specialised in Coaching, Training (qualified Trainer) and Mentoring. I've been told many times I seem to help people and organisations, groups or businesses find a solution where nobody else sees a way out through my unique blend of energy and motivational coaching and I will write about that in this Blog. I will also write about my life experiences as I live every day in gratitude that I have been giving another shot at life one day at a time.

What else do you need to know about me? Not much for the moment, just that I am obsessed with Running, love the Arts, am a passionate Soccer fan (Limerick FC & Belgium and Chelsea), adore good company especially when there is good food and a positive attitude to live to be had as well.

Thanks in advance for following me on this journey and for your feedback which is welcomed.

Have a wonderful day,

Patrick