Ask Mark Ward

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Adjust your Lens.

We see things as we want to see them. As humans, we have difficulty seeing a reality that is outside of the scope of our limited vision (which is a product of our environment, experiences, upbringing, etc).  We tend to walk around with an attitude that says "I'm OK, what's wrong with you?"  This lens--which makes us human--is often the greatest obstacle to our success.

The rewarding part of this human equation is that we are provided with a daily opportunity to increase the clarity of our vision. If we can accept the possibility that we only see what we want to see, rather than how things are, we can stop and consider adjusting our lens. 

Challenge yourself today. Think of the person that irritates you the most. Why do they bother you?  Consider whether you have any evidence indicating your conclusion about them is true; then ask yourself if it matters. Is it simply something that matters in the scheme of things? What are five positive things you can say (with sincerity) about this person? Pay attention--how many times throughout the day do you pay attention to what is "negative/wrong/bad/stupid" about someone as opposed to what is "positive/right/good/intelligent." How difficult is it for you to switch your thinking? How does it feel when you are successful?

Success or sabotage? If your eyes are weak, you can get glasses to improve your vision; you may do the same with the lens of your mind. Are you more tuned to the success of you and others or failure?

Is this going to be an incredible day? This day will never return. The opportunities in your path today will never come in the same sequence again. What are your choices?