What If We Could Change Our Relationship To Tough Times?

July 3, 2015 / Suzi McAlpine /

What if we could accept that difficult experiences are a chance to learn and grow?

What if we could let go of our unconscious expectations?

Like reaching all our goals.
Others behaving in the way we want them to.
Always getting stellar results.

What if we could not only accept the crappy occurrences in our professional (and personal) lives, but welcome them as part of our journey through leadership, life, and learning?

What if we could tolerate just being in the middle of difficult times? In the words of the Buddhist teacher and author, Pema Chodron –

We think that the point is to pass the test or overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don’t really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again.

What if we could stop long enough to reflect on what we are learning – about ourselves, others and the environment in which we are leading, when faced with roadblocks and disappointments.

What if we could experience tough times in the same way we would with a dear friend? Honestly and compassionately…

What then?

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3 Comments

Krishnamurti on July 25, 2015 at 6:44 pm

Relationship is the most difficult thing in life

“It needs great intelligence for a man and woman to be forgotten, to live together, not surrender to each other or be dominated by one or the other. Relationship is the most difficult thing in life.”

Jiddu Krishnamurti – http://bit.ly/1OFsB5S

Reply
Nick Jessett on July 3, 2015 at 7:53 am

Hi Suzi,

Great blog – I’m not familiar with the work of Pema Chodron and will certainly follow up on it. A couple of years ago I came across some buddhist teaching under the banner of ‘The Arahant” on the web comprising some presentations and vids. worth alike.

Best Nick

Reply
- Suzi McAlpine on July 7, 2015 at 4:11 am
  
  Hi Nick, thanks so much! The Buddhist teaching you mentioned sounds interesting, I look forward to checking that out. Cheers, Suzi.
  
  Reply

Suzi McAlpine

Suzi McAlpine is a Leadership Development Specialist and author of the award-winning leadership blog, The Leader’s Digest. She writes and teaches about accomplished leadership, what magic emerges when it’s present, and how to ignite better leadership in individuals, teams and organisations. Suzi has been a leader and senior executive herself, working alongside CEOs and executive teams in a variety of roles. Her experience has included being a head-hunter, an executive coach, and a practice leader for a division at the world’s largest HR consulting firm. Suzi provides a range of services as a Leadership Development Specialist, including executive coaching, leadership workshops and development programmes for CEOs, leadership teams and organisations throughout New Zealand.