Even the most successful people in the world are never completely satisfied with themselves. This is a natural feeling to all human beings and often times motivates people to reach their full potential. Unfortunately, the problem comes when self dissatisfaction turns into self doubt. Often, we feel frustrated or discouraged about the past, and we project those feelings of doubt and disappointment into the future. We stay stuck in a situation as if trapped in a tar pit. We fear that nothing will ever change and we'll never be able to be free from our personal "tar pit."  With that viewpoint, we start a downward spiral that takes us deeper into the pit of negativity.

However, the future has not happened yet. So it really makes very little sense to be negative about it. The future is full of outstanding opportunities. You are in control of your own future, it's not determined by your past. It is determined by the actions you take on a day-to-day basis. It's determined by your beliefs, thoughts, intentions and actions moment to moment to moment.

Use your frustration and past failures not as an excuse to doubt yourself, but as an opportunity to learn and improve your future.  Avoid negative thinking, look past the doubt, and you’ll discover a bright future. Try to identify your obstacles, and refuse to let them get in your way. Challenge yourself to turn the negative into a positive. In every difficult situation, there is opportunity. In order to see that opportunity and take advantage of it, you must stay positive, and continue to look for it.

To create a brighter future, play a game with yourself. Look for the positive aspects of EVERY situation. For example, being fired from a job provides you with the opportunity to find a job that ignites your passion. Dealing with lack of money gives you an opportunity to see that you really can be happy without a large bank account.
 
I'm living example of that. I haven't worked in several years due to a dislocated shoulder and helping a dear friend as she was losing her battle with cancer. The gifts in these situations are that I had the opportunity to spend time with my friend — to take her to doctor's appointments, to wash her hair and massage her feet. I had time to "stop and smell the roses." I had time to rest, relax, reflect and reconnect to Source energy. The experience of lack of money that appeared to be challenge was really an opportunity to take better care of myself, to become more vulnerable so others could be there for me and to learn that I am loved, loving and loveable no matter what the circumstances may look like. The thickness of my wallet doesn't define my abundance. My attitude is the on or off switch that controls my future. Currently my wallet is very flat and yet I feel very blessed and very abundant.

I now play the "Positive Aspects" game on a regular basis and am always delighted with what I learn about myself, others and my connection to God. I look for the gift in every situation. I must admit that sometimes I have to end my personal "pity party" and to really dig deep to find the positive opportunity that was buried in that "tar pit."  It's always there. Do you want to start playing the game, too? You can only win!!
 
Joanne P. Stein, Joyologist, www.bestcoach4u.com