The Fasten Seatbelt Sign Is Still On

Wow!!! We are certainly  living through what seems like turbulent times right now.  Aren’t we? 

And, the captain still has the fasten seatbelt signs illuminated indicating more bumpy turbulence is expected ahead.

"HOPE IS NOT A VIABLE STRATEGY"

Many experts I follow believe 2020 has a lot more challenges ahead — I for one hope they are wrong. Unfortunately though,  hope is not a viable strategy for preparation. ​ Are you with me on this one?
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The Samurai Warriors lived in some pretty turbulent times and their strength was preparation and adaptability.  Funny thing is the Samurai’s are often portrayed as violent fighters — the reality is they were actually peaceful.  They were also extremely well prepared for what ever might come their way and when peace was no longer a viable option. 

Coming out of challenging times many will merely survive and few will thrive.  It’s the ones who are best prepared and equipped to adapt that will thrive.

What does 2020 have in store for us next???

• an epic financial down turn?
• more illness?
• less liberty?
• more division?
• more hate & violence?

WHO KNOWS?  

"CHANGE IS THE ONLY CONSTANT"

None of us have a crystal ball…  However, anyone who is paying attention knows we are headed into permanent change.  Nothing new really — change is the only constant.

Here is the GREAT news! While we can’t control the economy,  what virus is unleashed next,  which liberties are preserved or which are taken away — we can not control the hate, violence and division of others — there is plenty that we can control.  

The stoics had a philosophy of focusing and judging only that in which we ourselves control. 

So… What do we have control over?

• our attitude
• how we care for our body and minds
• what information we intake
• how we respond to the craziness of todays world
• our preparedness 
• how we build our ability to adapt 
• our own personal habits, rituals,  and standards
  

"THE MORE WE VALUE THINGS OUTSIDE OF CONTROL,
THE LESS CONTROL WE HAVE"
~EPICTETIS

The key is this,  for each of us to come out of these challenging times and thrive will require us to embrace the turbulence as well as prepare and adapt.

The diamond does not exist without extreme pressure. 
The butterfly does not exist without the caterpillars crazy uncomfortable struggle.
The Samurai sword is forged only through the fire.

Nothing great ever comes from easy,  safe,  or comfortable.
Don’t wish for easy,  wish for greater capacity.  (And work for it)

"Don’t wish for easy,  wish for greater capacity."

Those who embrace these principles are the ones who are able to turn challenges into opportunities. 

Here is one last thing  —  While none of us can predict the future,  history tells us some of the greatest opportunities come immediately after the greatest challenges and only a small amount of people are ready to embrace those opportunities.  Will you choose to be one of them?

Check out this 5 video training series on “How To Turn Challenge Into Opportunity”.

http://www.mikecalderwood.me/store/turning-challenge-into-opportunity