Choose to see support in all shapes and sizes

Support is always there, it is just hidden in another form.

Every week I participate in Gratitude Friday with a group of likeminded souls where we identify what we are grateful for that week. For the best part of 2015 most weeks I have been grateful for the support I receive from everyone. The support from my partner, friends, all those in my business network, my assistant, my trainers, my coach, my tutors and sometimes even the support of strangers.

This week, I was rewarded with a big thanks from the universe for acknowledging this support. You may have already heard the news by now, but I am doing a psychology degree through the Open University and I got my latest exam results back. I received a pass with distinction! I have sat a lot of exams in my life and it was my first ever distinction. The difference I believe is that now I choose to see the red pen feedback from my tutor as guidance to improve, as opposed to the criticism I once believed.

When I was in school or further education I always felt deflated when my mark came back or when I was told I could do better. I would get angry and frustrated with my teachers. However, since learning more about psychology I started choosing to see things differently. For example, although my English was not perfect, I thought I knew how to write an academic essay or talk in depth about a particular subject, after all I have done loads of reports for ex-employers. My tutors disagreed. After the first couple of low marks back on assignments I started listening to their advice and even called them regularly or emailed for more information. Two modules later I got my first ever A plus result!

I use this same principle in my business too. I asked Margaret to read over the drafts for my books, and she also leaves me a lot of red pen marks on the paper. She apologises for it but she does not need to. I choose to see Margaret’s comments and suggestions on my appalling grammar as an opportunity to write better, especially after reading a really badly written ebook I bought this week. Additionally when my coach gives me feedback on my books I know she is also teaching me how to write better books that everyone will want to read. They are both supporting me, not criticising me, and I love that. I have always wanted to publish books but I never thought I had the skills to do so. With the support from both my assistant and my coach I can now do something I have always wanted to do.

I am also a believer that our finances are always giving us helpful supportive feedback. Either we are not giving our costs attention or we are not giving our sales attention, or sometimes it is both! I had an interesting meeting with a client earlier this week regarding their sales for the previous month. Their sales were lower than what had been forecasted and the client and I were both surprised. However, after further discussion we identified what the issue was  and considered a course of action that will support the business going forward.

So today I encourage you to look at the feedback you get from others or from your accounts and ask where is the opportunity in this? What would need to happen for you to feel supported on this? Is it simply a matter of changing your opinion on what is being said? Can you see the helpful comments, or does something bigger need to be changed?

If you need support in your business or with your finances contact me today for a free 30 minute telephone consultation.

© Helen Monaghan