Reframing the future - How to create the path for success in difficult times

By Jaywant Michael

The current pandemic has created unforeseen and unimaginable changes for many of us. No one is confident in predicting the future. A quote attributed to both Abraham Lincoln and Peter Drucker says it best, "The best way to predict the future is to 'create' it." Sounds logical today, but how do we do it? I believe the first step is what is called "reframing" in the world of therapy.

(See video below)

Reframing is a technique used to change a person's perspective of the situation they find themselves in by intentionally creating a different way of looking at a circumstance, a person, or a relationship, which helps change its meaning.

Here is an example. If I showed a picture of a glass that is half-filled with water and asked them, "What do you see?"

Most people would look at this situation, the way they view situations they find themselves in and either say the glass is half-full or half-empty. That is a normal and unimpressive perspective. But, a person who 'creates the future' would say the glass is completely full. Full of life-giving resources - water and air. This person will then work on optimizing the available water and air resources in their current life situation to create a better future for themselves.

Yes, reframing helps change our attitude, motivation and perspective during difficult times and sets us on the path of future success.