When things are going bad there's going to be some good that's going to come from it
Who Needs to Read This and What You'll Get
Who: Anyone feeling stuck in a rut of constant problems, disappointments, and setbacks—especially those in leadership roles.
What You'll Get: A fresh perspective on handling challenges, actionable insights to turn obstacles into opportunities, and a psychological tool that's as simple as one word:
"Good."
Introduction
"The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem."
The saying goes deep, especially when things seem to be spiraling out of control. Most of us react to problems with frustration, anxiety, or even anger. But what if we told you there's another way to react, a way that turns problems into possibilities?
The "Good" Approach to Bad Situations
For some, a problem is a dead-end. For others, like the inspirational leader in our transcript, it's a detour on the road to success. He gives us a mental hack that is as simple as it is profound: whenever something goes wrong, just say "Good."
Didn't get the promotion you were hoping for? Good, you can focus on improving your skills. Your project didn't get funded? Good, you have the opportunity to bootstrap and prove everybody wrong. You see, "Good" isn't just a word; it's an attitude, a lens that can help you turn adversities into advantages.
Why Traditional Problem-Solving Falls Short
Traditional problem-solving often puts us in a reactive stance, setting us up for a cycle of negativity and passive behavior. However, when you shift your mindset and see problems as opportunities, you become proactive. You take control. You find solutions instead of getting bogged down by the problem itself.
Unpacking The "Good" Philosophy
It keeps you alive and kicking: Saying "good" to adversity is a reminder that you're still in the game, still have some fight left in you.
It challenges you to find solutions: Problems, disappointments, setbacks—they're all opportunities to flex your problem-solving muscles.
It redefines your relationship with adversity: Instead of seeing adversity as something that happens to you, you see it as something that happens for you.
The "Good" In Action
Imagine you've sprained your ankle right before a big game. Traditional wisdom tells you to curse your luck. The "Good" philosophy challenges you to see this as an opportunity to focus on upper-body workouts or analyze game tactics.
Real-World Problem | 'Good' Solution |
|---|---|
Lost your job | Good. Time to explore new career paths and learn new skills. |
Car broke down | Good. Opportunity to get better at budgeting and planning. |
Missed a deadline at work | Good. Learn time management skills to never let it happen again. |
Argument with a friend | Good. A chance to develop your communication and relationship skills. |
Bad performance review | Good. Now you know where you need to improve. |
Internet is down | Good. Spend some time reading or working on offline tasks. |
Workout injury | Good. Time to focus on another aspect of health, like diet or meditation. |
Flight is delayed | Good. Catch up on reading, emails, or plan your trip better. |
Forgotten anniversary or birthday | Good. Set up reminders so you never forget again. |
Computer crashed and lost work | Good. Perfect opportunity to explore better data backup options. |
No call back after job interview | Good. More time to prepare for the next one. |
Failed an exam | Good. You know what areas you need to focus on for next time. |
Got rejected for a loan | Good. Time to focus on improving your financial health. |
Didn’t get the promotion | Good. Clearly define what skills or qualifications you need for the next chance. |
Had to cancel vacation plans | Good. Can redirect the money or time into something else meaningful. |
Negative customer review | Good. Direct feedback to help improve your services. |
Ran out of marketing budget | Good. Time to get creative with low-cost marketing strategies. |
Social media account got hacked | Good. Enhance your cyber security measures. |
Lost a big client | Good. Time to re-evaluate client acquisition and retention strategies. |
A team member quits suddenly | Good. A chance to reconsider team dynamics and possibly bring in new talent. |
Contract with a supplier falls through | Good. Opportunity to negotiate or find a better supplier. |
A project proposal is rejected | Good. Time to refine the proposal or come up with a new idea. |
Burned dinner | Good. Time to either improve cooking skills or discover a new takeout place. |
Lost an important game or competition | Good. Now you can pinpoint what skills you need to improve for next time. |
Stuck in traffic | Good. Listen to an audiobook or podcast to make the most of the time. |
Remember, each problem is a chance to say "Good" and find the hidden opportunity within. Keep this table handy for those days when you need a little perspective shift!
Action Steps
Next time you encounter a problem, stop and say "Good."
Identify the opportunity within the problem.
Re-calibrate your plan to seize that opportunity.
Re-engage with a newly found focus and determination.
Conclusion
If you can say the word 'good,' it means you're still alive. It means you're still breathing.
Life's not about avoiding problems; it's about handling them when they come, and handling them well. The next time life throws you a curveball, just say "Good" and watch how that simple shift in perspective can change your world. Remember, "Good" is more than a word; it's a way of life.
In the spirit of always learning, check out more related articles from My Workflow Solutions.
Resources
Problem-solving workbook using the good analogy
Feel free to take action and plunge into the "Good" life. 🚀
Who is Jocko Willink?
Jocko Willink isn't just another motivational speaker; he's a man who has been through the wringer and emerged stronger. A retired Navy SEAL officer, Jocko co-authored the book "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win." He also hosts the 'Jocko Podcast,' a weekly deep-dive into discipline, leadership, and human nature. With a background in war and leadership, Jocko isn't just theorizing about mental toughness and resilience; he's lived it. His philosophy is as hard-hitting as it is transformative, capable of turning setbacks into setups.
For more about Jocko and his work, check out his official website.
