UCanMakeItIfYouTry – Making the Best of a Bad Situation by James Donaldson
Have you ever found yourself in a bad situation? Maybe you lost your job, had a health scare, or struggled to get ahead. In situations like these, it’s easy to feel like your whole world is crumbling. However, how you react to these situations can tell your life’s story. Are you ready to start making the best out of bad situations?
Accept The Situation
You can’t ignore your way out of a bad situation. The first step is to acknowledge where you are at. Accept you are in a bad situation and that something will need to be done about it.
Put The Situation in Perspective
Are things ever as bad as they seem in the moment? While the situation may seem dire, remember that it could almost certainly be worse. Count all of the other blessings you have in your life. This will help you move forward confidently.
Remember That Bad Situations Don’t Define You
Ending up in a difficult situation doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. It also isn’t a reflection of who you are. Everyone ends up in bad situations from time to time, and just because you are struggling doesn’t mean you are worthy of happiness and success.
Focus On What You Can Control
Often, bad situations tend to spiral all around you. You will need to focus your energy on controlling the things you can control. Sometimes the situation won’t be in your control at all. In these cases, focus on something within your control, like self-care.
Seek A Moment of Solitude
While you don’t want to wallow alone, seeking solitude to get some time to quietly wrap your head around things is valuable. Often, bad situations include other people with strong opinions, and it can be hard to think with people routinely chiming in.
…But Find Support When You Are Ready
You don’t have to go through it alone, no matter how tough things are. Reach out to a loved one and ask for support if needed. If you don’t think you have anyone to turn to, you can always contact a trained professional for guidance.
Reflect on Your Past Struggles
Things may seem bad right now, but they have seemed bad before, too, right? You survived that, and you will survive this. Think about everything you have gone through already, and appreciate that you are still here standing strong.
Take A Small Step Toward a Better Situation
You might feel like wallowing in your bad situation, but the sooner you start to address it, the better you will feel. You don’t have to change your life completely or attack a massive goal. All you need to do is take one small step towards a better situation. This simple step might end up being the start of the solution.
Learn A Lesson
Every failure, flop, and mistake should teach us a lesson. Make sure you learn a lesson from this situation you are dealing with. You might have learned there is an action you shouldn’t take in the future. You might learn that there is someone you should avoid. Whatever it is, take that lesson and hold on to it.
FAST-ACTION STEPS
- Take some time to write about your feelings about the bad situation. Don’t edit yourself as you go. Just try to get your feelings out of your head and onto paper.
- Take a few moments to think about what led you to this situation. What could you have done differently? (If anything).
- Do the bare minimum. You don’t have to try and move mountains, but you can’t give up. Take one small step toward a new, better situation.
- About the Author
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James Donaldson
Former Owner and Director of The Donaldson Clinic (an outpatient physical therapy clinic)
James completed a 20 year professional basketball career in the spring of 2000. James established The Donaldson Clinic in (January 1990 – 2018) (shortly after a career threatening knee injury) with an idea that he would eventually become a physical therapist. He is a strong advocate for Women & Minority owned businesses and is very involved with various Chambers of Commerce. He understands what it takes to sustain a strong business environment that is conducive to the success of businesses overall.
James is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the N.B.A. with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Utah Jazz. He also played for several in Spain, Italy and Greece of the European Leagues plus toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an N.B.A. All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac – 10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame.
He now devotes the majority of his time to various community activities, and toward the Gift of Life Foundation, speaking on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, youth groups and is the author of the published “Standing Above the Crowd” of which you can learn more about at www.standingabovethecrowd.com and is available for sale now.
In 2021, James published Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From the Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy. www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
James is a 40+ year resident of Seattle. He believes in being a role model of success and professionalism for the scores of young people that he devotes so much of his time to. He currently serves on several Boards and/or committees and is a member of many organizations. (Please see complete listing on back)
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win – Win” environment for everyone involved, and being the best he can be!
