Cognitive Reframing: A Tool for Overcoming Adversity | Joel Brookman

There is an old story of 3 masons that were building a church. Each was asked what they were doing. The first man replied, “ I am laying bricks so I can get paid.” The second man said, “I am building a wall.” The third man said, “I am crafting a beautiful cathedral that people will admire for years to come.” All three men are doing the exact same thing yet their interpretation is quite different.

We each have the power to apply cognitive reframing to any situation. You alone choose how you see things. The self-actualized individual realizes this, and finds the opportunity in every situation.

Years ago I had a boss who was making things difficult for me at work. I became very unhappy. It forced me to begin looking at other opportunities. The result was that I ended up leaving the firm to take a similar role with a competitor. Within three months of my departure, my prior firm experienced very difficult times. Had I stayed, not only would this situation have negatively impacted my income, but my work life would have become intolerable. Instead, I had the good fortune of moving to an organization that thrived though the same period. I got to work for amazing people, and truly enjoyed going to work every day. My boss at the former firm did me a tremendous favor. Neither one of us appreciated it the time, but in hindsight, it was the best thing that could have happened.

I am convinced that everything happens for a reason. In the moment it is often difficult for us to see the whole picture. If we realize that we don’t have all the answers, but maintain that there is something operating that is bigger than any of us individually, we can begin to put things into perspective. The idea of applying the concepts of cognitive reframing in the face of adversity can be very powerful.

How do you face adversity? Do you view it as an opportunity or an obstacle? Next time you find yourself getting frustrated over a situation you cannot control, take a step back, realize there may be more to the situation than you can see at this moment. Try to apply the technique of cognitive reframing to the circumstance by finding an opportunity, realizing that you may not be able to see the entire picture, and envisioning the best possible outcome.