"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves"

When we're faced with situations beyond our control, the only thing left to change is ourselves. It's a simple yet profound idea. Sometimes life throws curveballs—things that are completely out of our hands. Maybe it's a global pandemic, a sudden job loss, or even a relationship that falls apart despite our best efforts. When these things happen, we can feel powerless. But there’s always something we can control: our own reactions and our mindset.

This notion comes from Viktor Frankl, an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist who survived the Holocaust. Frankl's experiences in Nazi concentration camps led him to develop "logotherapy," a type of psychotherapy that emphasizes finding meaning in life. He realized that even in the most horrific circumstances, individuals could maintain a sense of inner freedom by choosing how they responded to their suffering.

Let’s think about a real-life example. Picture a woman named Sarah. She had a thriving small business, but when the economy took a nosedive, she lost almost everything. Orders dried up, bills piled up, and soon she had to close her shop. It was devastating—her dream was crumbling. But Sarah had a choice: she could either dwell on what she couldn't change, or she could adapt. She chose the latter. She started attending online business courses, learned about digital marketing, and eventually pivoted her business to an online model. Today, she’s not just surviving—she’s thriving. Sarah couldn’t change the economic downturn, but she changed herself, her approach, and her business model.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? First, accept that there are things you can’t control. It’s tough, but crucial. Whether it's a global crisis or something personal, acknowledge it. Then, shift your focus. Ask yourself what you can do differently. Can you learn a new skill? Adjust your goals? Change your perspective? It’s about taking proactive steps rather than being stuck in a loop of frustration.

Imagine this: You’re working hard at your job, but your company is going through restructuring. Suddenly, you’re laid off. It’s a gut punch. But instead of spiraling into despair, you take a moment to breathe. You remember Frankl’s wisdom. You can’t change the company’s decision, but you can change how you respond. You start networking, maybe take a course to upskill, or even consider a career shift you’ve been dreaming about but never dared to try. This situation could be an opportunity in disguise.

Now, let me tell you a story. Think of John, a man in his forties who always dreamed of becoming a writer. But life happened—he got a stable job in finance, which he didn’t love, but it paid the bills. One day, his company announced massive layoffs, and John was let go. Initially, he panicked. What would he do now? But then he remembered that he couldn't change being laid off, but he could change his response. He took the plunge, started a blog, and began writing every day. Fast forward a year, and John has a book deal. Losing his job was the push he needed to follow his passion.

So, when life hits you with the unexpected, remember: you can’t always change your circumstances, but you can change yourself. It’s about resilience, adaptability, and the power of choice. You’ve got more control than you think—and that’s pretty empowering.