When something happens that isn’t the outcome you want, it’s easy to react emotionally.
In an effort to help my son navigate these tough situations, I told him the story of a farmer, his son, and a horse. And it'll change how you think about the next time something goes wrong.
A farmer and his son had a horse that helped the family earn a living.
One day, the horse ran away. The neighbors said, "What terrible luck!" The farmer replied, "Maybe so, maybe not. We'll see."
A few days later, the horse returned, leading several wild horses back to the farm. The neighbors said, "What great luck!" The farmer replied, "Maybe so, maybe not. We'll see."
Later that week, the farmer's son was trying to break one of the wild horses. She threw him to the ground and broke his leg. The neighbors said, "What terrible luck!" The farmer replied, "Maybe so, maybe not. We'll see."
A few weeks later, soldiers marched through town recruiting young men for war. They passed over the farmer's son, still recovering from his injury. The neighbors said, "What tremendous luck!" The farmer replied, "Maybe so, maybe not. We'll see."
While it’s tempting, no event can truly be judged as good or bad until time tells the whole story. The loss of a big game can create fuel that propels you to even bigger victories. Failing the bar could be the kick you need to realize that being a lawyer isn’t your calling.
You don't know if today's outcomes are wins or losses yet. But here's what you can control: your outlook. Stay optimistic, stay steady, and keep moving forward.
Be disappointed when you lose a deal or get passed over for the promotion. That's human. But don't let it define the story. Because the story isn't over.
Focus on what you can control today: your effort and your attitude. The rest? We'll just have to wait and see.
You don't know if today's loss is tomorrow's greatest gift. Stay the course.
P.S. The Optimistic Outlook is a Podcast! Leaving a rating or review wherever you listen to podcasts would mean a lot.
Use Your Gifts,
John Eades
Creator, The Leadership Lens & The Optimistic Outlook