We all know where we are at the moment, so I won’t dive headfirst into a cliché pothole by quoting Dickens, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”,  to make my point. What? Did I just …? 

The thing is now  is what we have, as those of us wearing Eckhart Tolle T shirts know.  Not only that, but on the horizon, away from the deep trenches of fear and doom there may be opportunities in them there hills.

Rather than reacting with sadness, anger, fear or helplessness to unfolding events, what if this was our time to find better ways to respond to whatever life throws at us?  Time to evolve, to choose to think differently, to do things differently? To be active in fostering our resilience?

As the chink of light keeps tantalisingly opening and then closing, for those of us who can find the time or oomph to put our sanity first - how can we stay focused on the positive stuff?

If you had the energy to start this new year with resolutions or not, the antidote to gloom and despondency is to concentrate on the stuff we can control. 

 Choose to be optimistic

As we get to choose our thoughts, we can choose to believe that nothing is all good or all bad. We can choose to be optimistic - this includes thinking about our personal dreams and hopes and professional aspirations. 

And if that sounds provocative in the face of economic uncertainty? Good. Call me a pain in the backside Pollyanna and then let’s move on to your Vision Board or your strategic goals.

Spending an afternoon surrounded by your own version of inspiring images and thoughts does wonders for the soul. There are a couple of other playful exercises you could do to create positive momentum. Steel yourself for this next one.

Imagine yourself as your mother. Yes really. Imagine she was boasting to a friend about what a complete legend you are, your special qualities and skills, your talents and cleverness, how well you’re doing etc, etc. Stop cringing. Don’t hold back, just get yourself a notebook and jot everything down. As it will all be true.

Stocktaking your strengths as a human being and as a professional person doesn’t only have to happen when you’re applying for a new job.  Affirming ourselves is healthy, it’s also re-energising and fortifying for those times when we might be feeling a bit low – or need to remind ourselves of our infinite possibilities.  Even now. 

If you’re still up for it, find time to read over your long list of strengths, maybe adding a few more – and look again at your Vision Board or strategic plans. Put the kettle on. Ponder the actual or potential opportunities out there that relate to your aspirations. Think about the support you have or might need to find too. Keep these thoughts and notes together. Mull over and marinade.

Your challenge

If your thinking habits are dragging you down, the time is now to do something about them.

It takes three weeks to form a new habit - and first thing in the morning is when we are most receptive to new ideas. So. Over the next 21 days, your challenge is to follow a very simple five minute routine to reboot your thoughts:

On waking, resist, resist, resist looking at your phone or listening to the news.

 Settle your mind with a few deep breaths.

Revisit your big picture aspirations or strategic plans. 

 Read over your list of strengths.

 Remind yourself of the opportunities of the current time.

 Think about how it all makes you feel.

 Set an intention for the day ahead.

 I dare you. Put your alarm on for tomorrow morning. Now is the time.