Finding Opportunity in the Midst of Defeat
If you’re a woman within the professional workplace, it’s not uncommon to feel some level of defeat and discourage at some point in your career. Experiencing highs and lows, wins and challenges is a normal part of any industry. What you choose to do and how you choose to react is ultimately what will help you see opportunity through those times of defeat, without of course feeling – defeated.
Don’t let the feeling of defeat deter you from reaching your goals. Keep reading to learn more about how you can use defeat to your advantage and find opportunities in the midst of it.
Finding Opportunity in the Midst of Defeat
1. Make a list – When you experience signs of defeat, it can be helpful to make a list of factors that could be affecting you. Write down the challenges you’re experiencing and the perceived disappointments that you’re facing so you can address all of them. This is an ideal first step for overcoming any feelings of defeat. Being able to brain dump and write down a list of all of the things that are in your way and causing you to feel defeated will allow your mind clarity and a clean slate to move forward.
2. Look for a way forward – It can certainly feel disappointing or frustrating when you experience situations, outcomes or challenges you don’t like or agree with. Try focusing your energy on what you can control about the situation instead of focusing on the things you can’t. Moving forward in all that you do is so important. It's the reason why you can allow yourself to continue to feel motivated and not let defeat take over you. Even if it's just one thing, find that one thing that directs your attention in a way that allows you to move forward.
3. Focus on the work, not just the rewards – It’s so important to find satisfaction and joy from the work itself. Take some time to identify the tasks or projects that you especially enjoy, or that make the time pass quickly. When you focus on the work, and focus on completing the work to the best of your ability, the rewards will come. Take the opportunity to dive a bit deeper into the work itself and watch as you reap the benefits of the rewards.
4. Define the influencing factors – When you’re feeling discouraged and feel defeated, it might also help to assess other stressors in your life. Perhaps you’re navigating a big life change, caring for friends or family members or experiencing personal challenges yourself. Even small stressors in your personal life can make regular, daily work feel overwhelming. Consider finding times throughout the day to practice self-care, even if you only have a minute or two. Small but meaningful actions can make a big difference.
5. Reflect on your values – Your core values are the personal values that guide your decision-making. Take some time to reflect on those to ensure they’re aligned with where you want to be in your career if you find that they are not aligned, then you may need to do some reassessment and reflection to ensure you get your values aligned.
As stated throughout, do not let defeat deter you for reaching your goals. In order to propel forward, you have to know that defeat and opposition will arise, but how you respond to it will always be key. Upon experiencing highs and lows, what you choose to do and how you choose to react is ultimately what will help you see opportunity through those times of defeat, without of course feeling – defeated.
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