When Things Don’t Go as Planned

Not again! Ever have one of those days where nothing seems to go your way? CeCe and I often find ourselves dissecting these little curveballs life throws at us, especially when they challenge our dreams, plans or expectations. They’re typically just minor bumps in the road, but doesn’t it feel like the world is conspiring against you when it starts piling on?

The boat won’t start. The windshield wipers decide it’s their day off. You hardly slept last night. The dog leaves a “gift” on the carpet. The garbage crew does half the job. Snap! There goes a nail. No toilet paper in the bathroom. Someone snags your secret fishing spot. Your favorite shirt? Missing in action. Mud ends up tracked across the carpet just after cleaning, and don’t even get me started on the driver going exactly the same speed as the car they’re passing. Sound familiar? I’m betting you’ve got your own list of life’s persistent (and oh-so-annoying) little mishaps.

Here’s the thing I’ve learned, though (and I’m still learning daily): these inconveniences don’t deserve the power we often hand over to them. Small frustrations can quickly snowball into full-blown grumpiness if we’re not careful. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve allowed a single moment of annoyance to rob me of my joy — not just for a minute, but for hours.

Life’s lesson here is about perspective. These hiccups are just that — minor interruptions, not roadblocks. Sure, they’re frustrating in the moment, but when we take a step back, they’re usually a drop in the bucket compared to everything else in our day.

We can choose to keep our cool, hold onto our joy, and continue to be a positive force for others — even when things get messy. After all, does letting the chaos rattle us solve anything? I know for me, staying calm has made all the difference (well, that and learning to laugh at myself when these things happen).

The next time life throws a curveball at you, ask yourself this: Will this matter a week from now? Even a day from now? And if not, is it really worth sacrificing your mood or your ability to bring light into someone else’s day?

I’m not saying this is easy — I fail at this more often than I’d like to admit. But I’m learning. And I hope this serves as a gentle reminder that no matter how much life decides to “pour,” we still have the power to carry our own sunshine.

The Rest of the Story

Me: Cece, BRING ME SOME TOILET PAPER! 

CeCe:  Not with that tone! Get it yourself.

LOL. Stay joyful, my friends!

Finding purpose begins with finding significance, which begins with valuing people. I am better because of this book, I’m confident you will be too!  Mark Cole , CEO Maxwell Leadership

Grab your copy of Leading with Significance to find more magnetic insights to help you on your unique journey. 

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