“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
— Dr. Wayne Dyer, The Power of Intention Dr. Dyer Official Website
This quote resonates deeply with me. My best friend, who’s like a sister to me,
constantly reminds me of the power of shifting perspective. I used to focus solely on
the negative, while she could easily be called “Ms. Positivity.” Over time, her outlook
has helped me see the transformative impact of reframing how we approach
challenges—especially at work and in everyday situations.
It’s important to surround yourself with people who help you grow. Whether it’s
colleagues, family, or close friends, the right support system can help you find
clarity when frustration clouds your judgment. However, the real shift has to come
from within. While these people offer guidance, you’re the one who chooses your
point of view. And sometimes, seeking help from professionals—a counselor,
therapist, or coach—can provide the tools you need to make that change.
Table of Contents
Pressure Cooker
In today’s fast-paced work environment, frustration is inevitable. Whether dealing
with a difficult client, a stalled project, or a challenging team dynamic, workplace
“harsh moments” are usually part of the job. For leaders, especially in high-
pressure fields like talent acquisition, coaching, or even sales, managing bad
outcomes effectively is critical—not just for personal well-being but also for setting
the tone for your team.
Leadership is about staying composed under pressure. Reacting impulsively can
lead to missteps, conflict, or even damaging team morale. The ability to pause,
assess, and respond thoughtfully separates effective leaders from bad ones. And
trust me, I’ve also learned this greatly applies to personal matters.
People who dismiss emotions—whether their own or from those around them
—miss a key element of human interaction: empathy. Recognizing feelings, even
when they don’t align with our views, builds trust and helps teams navigate
challenges more effectively. Best leaders don’t disregard needs to prevent their
employees from feeling overlooked or undervalued. Real leadership is about
fostering an environment where emotions are acknowledged, and not brushed
aside as unimportant.
Mindful Thinking
Mindfulness can be a powerful tool for navigating frustration. And no, this doesn’t
mean you need to meditate or adopt formal practices (though those can help, too).
Mindfulness is simply the act of being fully present, aware of your emotions, and
intentional in your responses.
In talent acquisition, mismatched expectations are common—whether a candidate
isn’t the right fit or a hiring timeline is delayed. Some sort of anger in these
moments is natural, but taking a mindful pause allows leaders to reframe
challenges as opportunities to improve strategy or communication.
In sales, rejection is a regular part of the process. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by
pressure to meet quotas or close deals. However, resilience comes not from
pushing through blindly but from reassessing and adjusting your approach.
Mindfulness helps you stay focused on long-term goals, even in the face of
immediate setbacks.
Support System
While self-reflection and mindfulness are vital, having a strong support system can
make all the difference. Leaders often lean on their teams for guidance and insight,
but asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a mark of strength.
No one has all the answers. By tapping into the collective knowledge of your
colleagues, mentors, or trusted advisors, you create a network of shared wisdom.
These connections provide fresh perspectives and encouragement during tough
times.
Some people offer clarity when emotions run high. They might not have all the
solutions, but their insight and encouragement can help you reframe your thinking
and refocus on what matters most. You know – I’m sure – who is in your corner.
One Day At A Time
All of this we are talking about here is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to derail your
progress. And by progress, I mean your success. By shifting your perspective,
approaching challenges mindfully, and leaning on your support system, you can
turn setbacks into opportunities for growth.
A good combination of self-esteem, confidence, and external support can provide
the tools you need to see the bigger picture. When you’re open to change and
willing to ask for help, you create the space to feel abundant, in every sense of the
word.
For more insights on leadership best practices, click here