Last week, I wrote about feelings of inadequacy and how I work to battle them. Notably, I received quite a few e-mails in response to that post, most of which focused on specific questions. However, while those questions were different, they shared a common theme: everyday angst. That angst was expressed most commonly with regard to specific areas of life, such as finances, career, or faith. I plan to focus some upcoming posts on several of the main questions--more details to come as I explore the questions a bit further.

Before discussing specific topics, I would like to share a secret tool with you. I dubbed this little gem "The In2 Effect."

Background
A few months ago, I found myself allowing negative situations to dictate my perspective and my mood. Soon enough, I began that all-too-familiar and very uncomfortable downward spiral. Thankfully, I decided to focus my strength: I chose to step back, see the big picture, and flip a coin. Flipping that coin would allow me to shift my focus from pure negativity to the positive alternatives.

Perspective
Does your perspective on something ever turn sour?
Do you ever feel as though you're stuck in a negative rut?
Do you focus on the negatives more than the positives?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then read on. Alternatively, if you answered no, then please post your secret immediately!

The In2 Effect

What is the one word that has the power to shift your perspective?
--> In2 (otherwise known as Into)

Be perceptive. Take note of when you see, say, or hear the word into. The goal is to strengthen your awareness of that word.

The word into serves as your trigger. When thinking about into, be sure to associate the number "2" with it. That 2 emphasizes the two sides of the coin you hold; essentially, the power you have to choose your perspective. Here, you have 2 options: positive or negative.

Take Action: Ask yourself what you can do to turn something negative into something positive.

Fill in these blanks mentally:
_____ into _____

Now that I've let you in on my little secret, let's talk about the background story that led me to the In2 Effect.

At the time, I was trying to let go of my expectations for Perseverance; unfortunately, I couldn't. I realized finally that I equated letting go with giving up. And I could never give up on my book, even if an entire field of well-constructed obstacles threatened my progress. I realized that I could choose to turn the situation into something other than failure: positive alternatives were indeed available to me. I didn't have to let go or quit just because of my unmet expectations. Instead, I could simply redefine those expectations, which would allow me to switch my perspective from "failure" into "success."

Now it's your turn, and don't waste any time. Start today! What can you change from a negative into a positive? How can you apply "The In2 Effect" to your life?

Please share your thoughts in the comment section below. Also, if you have a "secret" tool, I would love to hear about it!

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Each day, I post inspiring tips focused on turning knowledge into action and action into change. You can read these tips and much more on carolynrubenstein.com.

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