Mr. 8 or Life Obstacle Bets (LOB)

@GlenM

I have not had an opportunity pop us as a result of fixing a problem. If the opportunity was not there before the problem it was not there afterwards. The only new thoughts that emerge as a result are those needed to solve the problem. Unless i have another like problem to solve these thoughts offer me nothing. 

To oversimplify lets say i have rented a space to have a conference but the key is not working. After fiddling with it for a bit (I have left my picks at home) I realize to open the lock you must turn the key first to left then to the right. I have learned something but not something useful since it is only applicable in one special circumstance. 

I am still trying to think of a scenario were a negative turns into a positive. 

@Gettingbettertoday one possibility would be that you learned that sometimes things don't go right and you have to do some fiddling to fix. The key is the specific example here, but the process applies to other challenges. And maybe getting there a little early helps and perhaps staying calm when trying different things too?

@GlenM This is a very good way with dealing with situations / unexpected challenges you may come across.

My challenge though is feeling things getting wasted. In my past I went through gaming addiction (it became an addiction much later initially I used to love it and was good at it), learnt accounting (through undergrad), did a postgrad Management degree, spent 17+ years running a logistics business but today having gained all of this I am drawing a blank in life. I am struggling to use those years and apply that knowledge, effort spent earlier into something meaningful with the idea I don’t feel those times have been forgone. Every moment I spend I am scared I will waste it away. So I cling on to the smallest of endeavours. At every step in the past I have tried to create value from whatever I did - make something out of it but today there is no connecting dots visible

Coming to the LOB, yes definitely we work towards it and can make the best of it but in the greater scheme of things it makes me wonder without a concrete plan detouring your way out of life’s precious years is that the wisest of approaches?

Don't you think restructuring your original plan in life and deviating to the bare minimum makes more sense, creates more value, brings more meaning

@sensitiveme00 the bare minimum... like one tiny thing at a time?

By that I mean overcoming to the challenge without disturbing your original plan

@sensitiveme00 One thing that I like to think about is all the ways experiences and opportunities in the past transform us into who we are today. Like they are compounding lessons that shape our perspective on things, character, and perseverance. Even though there might not be an immediate next step that bridges your career trajectory, I would imagine that all of those experiences and things you have overcome are a part of the fabric that makes you - you.

Someone above brought up the importance of planning and it is a great point. I should clarify. I'm saying plan away, planning is good, but just hold it lightly because life will likely take us in directions that are not on our plan. The other part of it is looking backwards and connecting the dots. I can do that now and see a narrative or story that unfolds through twists and turns in my life. I couldn't do it at the time, especially for things that seem way off the beaten path, but then, somehow, they end up being important places to visit when I look back from the present. 

And in terms of having a pause or blank, I think that is okay too! Sometimes I think we need a little space to let things unfold. It can be uncomfortable because the suggestion can be that life is linear and we are supposed to know the next step in front of us. And the reality of a blank counters that myth. I have felt that too, but then, eventually, direction surfaces and I find the path again. Wishing you peace during this time of searching ✨

Thank you Glen. I think this is the time I would like to say 7 Cups and your journey has been truly inspiring. Your reply made my day ☺️

i only started making to do lists recently but recently i haven't been making any... and i really need structure but i can't seem to find it. i wish i knew what the end of my goals was

@indigoEyes2672 this might help. If you have any questions let me know!

https://www.7cups.com/forum/siteupdates/GlensNookCommunity_547/FindingYourPurposeExercise_272327/

@GlenM

My biggest challenge with staying organized and managing tasks is maintaining consistency. It’s easy to get off track or overwhelmed, especially with multiple responsibilities. 

@Rizuemu000 just keep going. it's addictive

@indigoEyes2672 I like this point. Can you share more on how it can be addictive and how you'd help someone learn to keep going until the addiction catches?

😅@GlenM an object in motion stays in motion. you're already addicted to life

life is addictive

@Rizuemu000 I hear that! has anything helped in the past?

Hi! I’m new here and just getting oriented, but a question… Is the link for “problem is the path” supposed to go to a bill about social media?

@irrationalKitten108 good catch! updated!

Thank you!

@GlenM reframing outcomes feels overwhelming when experience causes broad life impacts. Changing personal beliefs, financial disadvantage, impacting family dynamics, overwhelming coping skills. Staying mentally flexible and persevering through the experiences so you can accept them as learning opportunities takes critical thinking skills, imagination and confidence. What happens if each of these characteristics are not developed?

@coolvibes these are great points and a good question. I think we need to all understand that some of us start miles back from the starting line. Some people start miles ahead and other start right at the line. There is a lot of research on adverse childhood events that might be helpful to look into. If you know you've had the deck stacked against you in some way, then you can be gracious with yourself and say okay I had to figure out a lot of things that other people knew right away. I think that can help keep things in perspective. 

With regards to critical thinking, imagination, and confidence, you are in the right place! These things can be talked about like they are big, global, ideas or characteristics that either a person has or doesn't have, but that isn't true. They all exist on a spectrum and they can all be developed just like a muscle can be developed or a skill can be developed through exercise. Many people have developed those skills here. Chatting with listeners, joining a sharing circle or other group etc. are all great ways to learn about yourself and vicariously learn from others. If I see that you did something to overcome a challenge, then I can learn from you by simply watching you share it in in a sharing circle. 

And, last, we have an amazing community of people that have built a great culture. A lot of these strengths are baked into the work we do. You can kind of "catch" them by just being here. People have been enriching the soil of 7 Cups for over a decade now, so it yields great fruit and vegetables that can help all of us grow.

And hats off to you for being vulnerable, self-aware, and persevering!!!

@GlenM Thank you @GlenM for your imagination, vision and mission for cups. It is an amazing experience to be able to learn from the community participants and be a witness to their Talents and challenges. Everyone has a unique story of success and triumph. being able to share space with people and growth with them is a true honor.