Are You A Tennis Ball or Are You An Egg?

How you answer that question could well determine how far you will go in life!

It is quite a funny thought but if you really think about it, it totally makes sense. In life/business/relationships, anything that you do really, you always have a choice as to how you react to situations. Some people will criticise me for my positivity, but hey, I guess that makes me a tennis ball 😉

When something bad happens – and it sometimes will – you need to decide how you react. Your reaction will have such an impact on the outcome of the situation. You can decide to let the situation get the better of you (be the egg and crack) , or you could decide to be strong and rise above the situation (be the tennis ball and bounce back).

Here are my Top 5 Tips for dealing with tough situations:-

1. Look at the situation and ask yourself the question – “Can I change what has just happened?” If you answer is no, then do not stress about what has just happened. In most cases you can not ever change what has happened…it is in the past and we can not change it.  Make decisions based on the information that you have to make the situation better. Ask yourself what is the best outcome of this situation and how can I learn from it and be a tennis ball.
2. Ask yourself – Will this still be as important in 24 hours/next week/next month? Really take stock as to how “massive” the situation is. Never overreact to something just because it angers you initially. It is much easier to step back from the situation, breathe deeply and re-address it. If you react too quickly you may say something that you might regret or send an email that, as soon as you have sent it you immediately wish you hadn’t. (A top tip for this is, write the email but do not send it. Put it in your draft box and re-read it the next day when you have calmed down. If you still feel as strongly then, do send the email. Most of the time you will feel completely different after a good nights sleep).
3. Ask a mentor or a good friend for advice. There is the old saying a problem shared is a problem halved. It is so true. When you talk something through with someone outside the difficult situation, they will be able to give you a different outlook to it. You may not agree with what they are saying but at least it will give you a different side/opinion on the situation. Also ask them how they would react in this situation. When someone you respect sheds light on the situation, it really can make a difference
4. Decide on your “Mantra” – Be the Tennis Ball! There is the saying “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!” A lot of people take great hope from. However, find a mantra that works for you. I have a song that I listen to when I’m going through a tough patch. It is very personal to me but it is so upbeat and the words are so meaningful that it ALWAYS makes things seem a whole lot better and then I bounce back. Find yours and when you are stressed or under pressure put it on and dance like a mad thing and refocus. If you have one pop it in the comments section and lets share the good positive vibes.
5. Ask yourself – “What can I learn from this situation?” I am a true believer in ” What is meant for you, will not pass you”. I always believe that things are sent to us to learn from. At the start we may not understand why (especially if it is a really tough situation), but the lesson always comes to light as we move forward. If something happens, and you fail and learn nothing, then it is a poor lesson. You should always able to move forward from any situation and take your lessons with you.  Focusing on the lesson that is there will help you will help to change your mindset and help you feel empowered rather than a failure.

So I guess what I am trying to say is that we all have choices. We can be that tennis ball and yes go down but then bounce high. In some ways the harder you get hit the further you go… just like a tennis ball. Or we can choose to be an egg and crack under the pressure. I urge you to be a tennis ball, as the view from up high is great. Keep bouncing and learning as you go.

Yours in Health and Happiness

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