"The world isn't fair, Calvin."
"I know Dad, but why isn't it ever unfair in my favor?"
—Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes
Is there anything Calvin couldn't sum up perfectly? We all know life isn't fair, but how come it's always me on the short end? When things go wrong, how come it is always going wrong against me? When do I get some good luck?
The reality is, things happen, whether it is fair or not, that's up to you to decide. So often, how we perceive the world around us defines what we feel is fair or unfair.
Have you ever gotten a little extra money only to get a bill that you weren't expecting? One train of thought might lead you to believe it was unfair that you lost that extra money. Another perception is that i was good luck that you scored some cash just in time to make that unexpected payment.
So often our life and how we approach it comes down to how we choose to perceive things. When you focus on life being unlucky and unfair, then that's how you'll perceive life to be. When you feel like doors are closed to you and you never get the breaks you fail to see opportunities in front of you.
Our perception effects how we show up in the world and how we react to the the people and events around us, how can we change what we perceive?
If you feel that something is happening that is unfair notice other things besides the unfairness of the situation. What can you learn from what is happening? Instead of feeling defeated, how can you work to overcome what is happening?
How are you interacting with the people around you? Are there work colleagues who seem to be working against you? How can you flip the relationship? In what way could you change your reaction to that person that would make the relationship more positive (or at least remove the power over that person has over you)?
Where can you find opportunities? Open yourself up to the idea that you can change your perception of the world. How does that affect your choices, your interactions with others and your response to the things around?
Remember, the only thing you can control in this world is you. So why not makes the choices that are the healthiest, most productive and beneficial for you?
Comments