Written by Mikayla Askey, NALJA Secretary

I am sure that each one of us has faced a situation that we were not prepared for – something that makes us want to put our heads down and accept defeat. I know I have, and not just once. Many times, in life, I find myself at a crossroad, where I have two options: a) Look at the situation with a negative perspective or b) look at the situation with a positive perspective.

I would like to say that I always choose the second option – to see the silver lining in every dark cloud – but the truth is, that is not always the case. It is so much easier to jump right to the negative and think of the worst-case scenario. However, the older I have gotten, I’ve learned that adopting a positive mindset, even in challenging times, makes everything seem just a little bit better. I have started to change my mindset from “this stinks” to “let’s make this the best it can be.”

Dr. Billy VanCamp, pastor of Heart Cry Church, said, “rain only matters to those who have planted seeds. Rain is not a curse; rain is a prerequisite for harvest.” This quote stuck out to me for so many reasons. I know that I have been in a situation where I have asked myself, “why is this happening to me,” only to realize it will help shape me into the person that I am meant to be. Difficult situations are not a curse, so stop looking at it in a negative way. They are a season in our life that prepares us for something greater. By shifting our mindset and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, we can look forward to the good things that lie ahead.

One perfect example of this mindset shift can be found in the show industry, particularly one that all of us have faced – the pursuit of the Grand Champion title. When you don’t win, it is super easy to feel defeated. However, it is not always about the victory. Nelson Mandela once said, “I never lose. Either I win or I learn.” This quote perfectly illustrates how you can take what feels like a loss and turn it into a positive experience. You could say “I didn’t win this time, but I learned so many new things.” Embrace each challenge as a learning experience rather than a defeat.

Next time life throws you a curveball or you feel the weight of defeat, remember that it’s up to YOU to flip the script. By changing your perspective, you can turn any negative into a positive and pave the way for your future success.

Ecclesiastes 11:4