Happy Motivation Monday! Today I’m going to talk about what to do when you’re not in control.
I’m writing from the airport, after an eventful morning! I took Maverick for a walk, did my Miracle Morning, then checked my email, planning to still have time to exercise, shower, pack up, and leave for the airport around 7:25am. Unfortunately, I had an email from American Airlines saying that my 9:05am flight had been cancelled! I saw that I was rebooked for a 7:30am flight, so I got dressed (no shower!), grabbed my bags, and hopped in the car as quickly as possible. Only in the car did I realize that I was booked on a flight for January 31st … the day I was supposed to come home! Not so helpful, right?
Well, long story short, I took a few deep breaths and realized that if this is the worst thing that happens to me all week, my life is pretty darn good. Sure, it’s a hassle, and sure, I wanted to get to Colorado to see my family for a late Christmas celebration, but regardless … I am safe and healthy, and so is my family. Many of the flights were delayed and cancelled due to the horrible tornadoes and storms wreaking havoc right now, and I’m so grateful that I made it through those safely.
So I waited in lines, got on a few standby lists, and then was placed on a flight to Colorado Springs (instead of Denver), and I’m going to make it out! Things really do have a way of working out in the end, and I’m not much worse for the wear. YAY!
What to Do When You’re Not in Control
So, how does this apply to you? If you’re in a situation that feels like a no-win battle, or you feel like you’ve lost control, I recommend taking these steps:
- Breathe. This is the most important step, as it not only gives you a moment to think before you react rashly, but also has an instant physiological calming effect, lowering your heart rate and letting your body relax.
- Do what you can. In this case, I hopped in the car as quickly as possible, and started calling the airline to see what alternate arrangements could be made. (Don’t worry, Kevin was driving!).
- Be kind to those who can help you. I can’t even tell you how rude other people in the airport were to airline employees! Remember that in many cases, the situation you’re in is not the fault of the person you’re dealing with, and that kindness goes a long way in finding an effective solution to the problem. I smiled kindly, spoke calmly, and expressed my gratitude to those helping me out, and I hope that was appreciated.
- Put your problems into perspective. Remember that if you are safe and healthy, you already have many things to be grateful for. Even the problems that seem big in the heat of the moment are often small in the grand scheme of things. Remember, don’t sweat the small stuff!
I need your help!
I posted a poll on Facebook this morning, and I’d love to have you go to Facebook and vote! I’m making the bonus gift for those who buy “Start Here” this week, and I want to give YOU the value you most want!
I need your help!!This week, I’m creating the BONUS for those who purchase “Start Here” (launching 1/13/16!). Which bonus do YOU prefer? Comment with your number below!!
Posted by The Lyons’ Share Wellness on Monday, December 28, 2015
Now it’s your turn … What do you recommend when you’re not in control of a situation that seems bad?
I definitely think that breathing, taking a moment to think, and understanding that stuff sometimes happens that requires your life to be inconvenienced.
As an example, the week before Christmas there was a power outage where they were building a new house that took out our whole area including several retail blocks. I had planned to get gas for my car and pick up a few things because we were going to do some baking that night. Well, gas station was closed, as was the grocery store on the way home, and we had no power so no baking.
It was all annoying … but we also had learned that due to a problem with how the underground wires were run, this outage was an accident that had put someone into the hospital critically hurt. We got power a couple of hours later, I got gas the next morning, we baked over the weekend. But the guy who was hurt is still not out of the hospital.
We actually ended up sitting relaxing and talking (Lisa, Chris and I … Danny still at NYU at the time), and just having a nice relaxing few hours.
It is so easy to get mad when stuff happens … but is it really worth it? Look for ways to repurpose your time when you’re forced to alter plans.
I think putting things in perspective definitely helps. I always try and say to myself “things could be worse” and that always helps me appreciate the minor inconvenience. Glad you made it out to Colorado!
I am sorry about your hectic early morning challenges! The content of this post is excellent and a reminder that nothing is ever as terrible as it may first seem. Your suggestions as to how to react, handle the situation, and behave while doing so are pearls of wisdom that I hope all your readers share with others.