Today, with all of the pressures of life and work, we’re busier and working harder than we ever have. Sometimes life can be difficult, things happen that we don’t like, and we get down. This is just a fact!

My wonderful friend Frances Hesselbein (former CEO of the Girl Scouts and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom) has a saying that I love. She says, when asked what her blood type is, “Be Positive!” This is her philosophy and it helps her navigate through challenges in a positive way.

I love her outlook and I look for it in others as I travel around the world. How do people meet challenges and view change in a positive way? Here are some of the comments I’ve heard from friends, leaders, and students about how to view and manage difficulties in a positive and constructive way.
 

1. “There is no use dwelling on the past. What is done is done. In hindsight, would I have done some things differently? Of course! I cannot change that now. I am focused on creating a great future.”
2. “In a strange way, my recent ‘disasters’ have actually made me better. I now realize that what matters is my health, friends, and family. I am grateful for the fact that I now understand what really matters.”
3. “I have a good job. I used to gripe about all kinds of minor annoyances at work. I recognize now that there are a lot of people out there who are much worse off than I am. All the little things that bothered me so much don’t matter anymore.”
4. “I have time to invest in my future. I am using it to do what I always said I wanted going to do. I am glad that I have a chance to do this.”
5. “I love my work. As an independent contractor, I have had to cut my fees. Who cares? I still love what I am doing and am grateful to be doing what I love.”
6. “My family is closer than ever. Some of us aren’t doing so well. We are doing whatever we can to help each other. We love each other and support each other when times are tough.”

Personally, I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to communicate with you, my readers. Many of you have sent me wonderful comments and e-mails. I have learned so much from you, and I am very appreciative for your interest in what I write.

“Great is the need of the student to learn — far greater is the need of the teacher to teach.” As a teacher, trying to help you — even a little — adds value to my life. Thank you!