Get out of Jail

Another nugget of wisdom arrived in the Vistage 1107 meeting when T.H. said "We are our own jailer".  The context of this came about as we discussed words and the power they have on our actions and behavior.  T.A. declared that he has trained himself not to use the word "crisis" in his life - "There are no crisis's - only inconveniences".  That doesn't diminish major inconveniences - death, divorce, career events etc.  It only suggests that most items (other than those major inconveniences) are just entries on your inconvenience list each day.  It reminds me of the book "Don't sweat the small stuff".

The power of positive thinking is evident.  Too often, we are our own worst critic. If you obsess on negative waves, gloom and doom scenarios, and self criticism you can fall into the infinite downward spiral of a self fulfilling prophecy of failure.  That doesn't mean you shouldn't be realistic, practical and objective in learning from life's mistakes.  It just means to learn, adjust and move ahead (not spiral behind).

There are many times you should just use a "Get of of Jail - Free" card.