What to do when life throws you a curveball

Grant Stain • Apr 04, 2019

In business, and the same applies in life in general, we are always going to get things that will throw us a curveball. We are always going to get things that are unexpected and that force us to get creative and to work hard if we want to get over those obstacles.

In business, and the same applies in life in general, we are always going to get things that will throw us a curveball. We are always going to get things that are unexpected and that force us to get creative and to work hard if we want to get over those obstacles.


The important thing to know is that if you persevere and you keep pushing forward, you will get past the curveballs, but if you make excuses as to why you can’t get stuff done and you complain and you moan, you’re going to end up giving up.


Your attitude has a direct impact on how you deal with curveballs


You need to know that these obstacles are going to happen, life is going to throw these things at you and it’s how you deal with them, and how you can take a positive spin on them that can make all the difference. Having that positive attitude knowing that they’re going to happen, and being creative in ways of getting around them is what it’s all about, which is exactly what I talk about in this video.


Sometimes it can feel almost impossible to stay positive. By preparing in advance, using tools to help influence your mindset, you can keep pushing forward. Perseverance. Motivation. You can do it.


The most successful people deal with curve balls


In the words of Richard Branson , “Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again” - Branson has had many curve balls thrown his way, Virgin Atlantic Airlines almost didn’t launch because a flock of birds destroyed an engine on the plane during a test flight, which cost Branson major bucks to fix.


Steve Jobs famously said “I think the things you regret most in life are the things you didn’t do.” - if you give up at the first obstacle, you will never know what you could have become. You could have been the next Steve Jobs!


“Without hustle, talent will only carry you so far.” - Gary Vaynerchuk is very well aware of the need to “hustle”, ie to work hard through difficulties, and puts his success down to his hard work.


How to deal with curveballs, step-by-step


  1. Identify the problem - This might sound stupid, but if you don’t clearly identify the problem, it is more likely to overwhelm you.
  2. Assess what you can do about the problem - Is it something you can deal with straight-away? Or is it a problem that is a little more long-term?
  3. Plan how you will deal with the problem - The bigger the curve ball, the more time you need to spend on this. Create a mind map of things you can do to solve the problem, then write out your plan of action.
  4. Remember to be positive - If you are negative, you will reduce your own chances of success. Staying positive can take a lot of motivation , but it will improve your work and make your life happier.
  5. Now deal with the problem! Whatever you put in your action plan, you need to carry it through! You can do it, so be confident in your abilities.

How can you avoid problems, and face problems more efficiently


Problems will always crop up throughout life, but you can avoid certain problems by having knowledge and foresight. Knowledge will also help you to deal with problems more efficiently, because you will know what to do in each situation.


How do you improve your business knowledge?


Join BLAM! Academy for FREE to receive useful, relevant business resources which will make you into a better business person!



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