3 Simple Strategies to Help You Take Stock and Move Past the Obstacles to Your Peace

"People don't like to be controlled. They like respect and attention and care."

- Jack Kornfield, Author of The Wise Heart

Have you ever had the experience of dealing with a business that was less than ethical? Just the other day I had just such an experience.

We own a one-ton diesel truck, which is used in our construction business. When we purchased the truck, we bought an extended warranty through a company that specializes in these types of warranties, rather than through the manufacturer, for two reasons - the warranty was less expensive, and it came with the ability to use it at any licensed auto repair facility. We learned firsthand, however, that the old adage is true "you get what you pay for." The truck recently needed repairs and the company denied our claim due to a technicality in the service contract.

The purpose of this article is not to vent (well, maybe just a little), but instead to reflect on the lessons I learned from the experience.

In business there is no end to these types of lessons. The key to keeping your business moving forward, and maintaining your peace of mind, is how you allow them to control your life. Do you let them ruin your day and interfere with your peace and ability to do what needs to be done? Or do you have the inner strength, focus, and wisdom to recognize what's happening and take back control of your day?

Here are 3 tips to help you diffuse negative situations and take control of your thoughts surrounding outcomes, and maintain your ability to do what needs to be done.

1. Recognize what's going on. Stop and take stock of the situation and decide if it needs to be dealt with right then, or if you can leave it until you have gained a larger perspective on the situation. I made the mistake of trying to deal with it immediately, which cost me valuable time and interrupted a project I had in progress. I allowed my whole day to be disrupted because I reacted instead of recognizing what I was allowing to occur.

2. Let it sit for a day, if possible, or at least a few hours. Distance yourself mentally and emotionally by working on another productive project or doing something you enjoy. This gives you the space to get other ideas for possible resolutions. You can be so close to the problem that "you can't see the forest for the trees".

3. Don't let the negative emotions take over, cloud your better judgment and cause you to do or say something you may regret later. This is easier said than done, but if you have used Steps #1 and 2, it will be easier. Another way to overcome negative emotions is to look at the whole situation from a more expansive perspective. Ask yourself, "Will this really matter so much in six months, one year, or five years?"

As for my truck repair issue, we decided to cut our losses and trade-in the truck on a newer, more economical truck. My mental and emotional well being is much too important to pursue pushing against a situation that may or may not turn out in my favor.

If you have a challenge in your business right now, maybe it's time to look at it from a higher perspective and move on too.