From Discipline Equals Freedom, the “Good” chapter:
Accept reality, but focus on the solution. Take that issue, take that setback, take that problem, and turn it into something good.
Life doesn’t stop. There is no finish line, so no end state for any event. Each action is the end of something and the beginning of something else.
That’s why it’s important to not look on a seeming setback as awful and bewail the fact. It’s just an event. Investing an opinion in the event is a waste of time at best, or damaging at worst. Opinions about the past? Past events are out of your control, so don’t pay them any mind.
Except, pay attention to them as they are right now. The present is good. Always good. And the present facts are what you have to work with.
Your opinions and thoughts are the only thing you can control, so why not be default positive? Default optimistic? Default constructive?
Using that attitude means you don’t wallow in regret or bitterness about past events. Negative opinions about things out of your control are crowded out.
Using that attitude means you focus on improvement and achieving your goals right now, using what you have on hand, not what you wish you had.
Using that attitude is contagious to those around you. Not everyone defaults forward. But most people default to follow and mimic. And a few observe and embrace.
Whatever happens, default to “This is good. Let’s get into action.” Not just the right opinion. No. Attitude and immediate action.
Back to work.