REFRAMING: YOUR SECRET SUPERPOWER FOR LIFE’S CURVEBALLS

Ever felt like life threw you a curveball and you were left wondering how to deal with it? Well, let me introduce you to the magic of reframing. It’s like having a superpower that helps you parse through tough situations, challenges, or relationships from a more helpful perspective. When you shift your viewpoint, the meaning changes as do your thinking, emotions, and behavior.

Why is reframing a gamechanger? Our brains are wired for negativity, which was useful back in the day for survival. But today, that negativity can turn into stress, anxiety and a bunch of other not-so-fun emotions. If we don’t keep it in check, we might end up on the “Debbie Downer” path.

One easy way to reframe is using Shirzad Chamine’s “3 Gifts Technique”. It’s all about finding three positive outcomes or gifts from a negatively charged change. The gifts are knowledge, growth, and action (adapted from Chamine’s model). Let’s break it down:

1. Knowledge: What learnings or insights can you gain from this experience that will be valuable in the future?

For example, working 65+ hours per week didn’t shield you from job loss and took away quality time with your family. Moving forward, you plan to set better boundaries between work and home.

2. Growth: How can this situation help you grow? Perhaps develop or strengthen a skill or build resilience?

Ineffective processes and occasional delegation led to long work hours. Now, you aim to strengthen your delegation skills and prioritize continuous process improvement for your future team’s benefit.

3. Action: What new goals or actions will you take from this experience?

Your job search goal is to find a new employer that values employee wellbeing, work-life balance, leadership and employee development, and workflow efficiency. Personally, you intend to be fully present when enjoying precious time with your family.

Think about a change you’re facing or struggled with in the past. What’s the negative impact on you? Now, try to identify three potential gifts from that experience. Have you ever tried this approach? If not, will you give it a go the next time life throws you a curveball?

Give it a shot and see how reframing can transform your outlook!

© Copyright 2025 Bergeron Associates. All rights reserved.