“Why is this the best thing that could happen to me?“
This is a question we ask in any moment of adversity. I heard this question first from two of the top mindset performance coaches in the nation, both Z-winning Mindset coaches: Gene Zannetti and Mike Moor. They work this question often into sports psychology, helping athletes reconsider the impact of a loss, or an injury, or other setbacks. That question is powerful in reframing those seemingly negative moments into a positive, motivating force as athletes strive to reach new heights.
“Why is this the best thing that could happen to me?“
This question is not just for athletes! It is one of the most important questions you can ask yourself in academics, whether you are a student, teacher, administrator, graduate student, or any other role in school at any level. Asking this question allows your mindset to shift from panic to action, from worry to response, from frustration at a problem to a laser focus on solutions.
How does this shift my mindset?
When you ask, “Why is this the best thing that could happen to me,” your mind is forced to think of the bigger picture and long term impact of the issue. For most of us, problems appear bigger than they are because of the immediacy of it. We have trouble pushing through discomfort or fear because our problems are in our face, begging for attention.
We ask this question to disrupt those immediate thoughts and refocus our mind on the things that we can control. When we can slow down and think about the situation from a long term perspective, we begin to imagine how this problem can be reduced and what actions we can take to minimize the impact of it.
You get a lower than expected grade on a test… Why is this the best thing that could happen to me?
You get sick and have to deal with a metric ton of extra work to catch up… Why is this the best thing that could happen to me?
A pandemic strikes the country and leaves you converting all your classes to E-learning while being quarantined… Why is this the best thing that could happen to me?
No matter how bad or serious the situation may be, asking this question will settle your mind and give you clarity in seeking solutions. You may not be able to control everything about the issue, but you CAN imagine a world in the future where the setback you are facing now led you to a better version of yourself. Putting your mind through that process will help you discover your next step in making the most out of any obstacle that stands in the way of your success and happiness. It will put your mind into a place of resilience and patience instead of being stuck in a place of fear and confusion.
Why is this the best thing that could happen to me? Internalize this question. Memorize it. Use it. Mindset makes the difference!