Two people can look at the same situation and see something completely different. One sees a setback, the other sees an opportunity. One sees frustration, the other sees a lesson.
The difference? Perspective.
When Perspective Changes, So Does the Story
I had a moment in my career when things didn’t go as planned.
I was leading an operations division, feeling successful and on track for where I wanted to go. Then, I was asked to side-step into a new role to build a new department from scratch.
I was crushed.
I felt like I wasn’t good enough to continue forward. I questioned whether my success had been a lie. I was embarrassed—convinced I had failed.
And then, just as I was trying to process that shift, life delivered an even bigger blow: My daughter was diagnosed with cancer.
Everything turned upside down.
But here’s what I didn’t realize at the time—that career shift was exactly what I needed.
Because I had stepped into a new role, one that was more independent, I had the flexibility I needed to care for my family while still doing meaningful work. And in the long run, it wasn’t just the best thing for my family—it was the best thing for me.
I forged something new. I created a voice for myself that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I increased my visibility and expertise in my industry. I came to see that I could make just as big, if not a bigger impact, in this new role.
At first, I saw the situation as a setback. In reality, it was a redirection.
I just needed to shift my perspective to see it.
Reframing the Stories We Tell Ourselves
In Dare to Lead, Brené Brown talks about the power of recognizing the narratives we create in our minds. When things don’t go as planned, we instinctively fill in the gaps with assumptions—often negative ones.
Instead of jumping to conclusions, she suggests pausing and asking:
“The story I’m telling myself is…”
For example:
❌ “I failed, and now people will think I’m not capable.”
✅ “The story I’m telling myself is that failure defines me—but in reality, it’s an opportunity to learn and adjust.”
The words we use to frame our experiences shape how we move forward. Here’s to seeing new possibilities, one perspective shift at a time. Use the Forte Four to get started…
Pause Before Reacting
When faced with a challenge, stop and ask: What’s another way to see this?
Ask Different Questions
Instead of “Why is this happening to me?”, try “What is this teaching me?”
Zoom Out
In the moment, problems feel big. Take a step back and ask: Will this matter a year from now?
Reframe the Story You’re Telling Yourself Change “I failed” to “I learned.” Shift “This is unfair” to “This is an opportunity to grow.”