Challenges and problems are an inevitable part of life. Might as well start seeing them as your Allies in growth.

The language and concepts here are pulled from Conscious Leadership. We will practice framing the situations and people around you as allies, whether they know it or not. The key here is that it doesn't matter if they see you as an ally for you to see them as one.

"If only this person would go away/this circumstance would disappear, then I would be happy."

Sound familiar? Most people start with reactive thoughts like this when presented with a challenge. Instead, let us be proactive in seeking learning and growth.

The Writing Exercise

Think about a person you may not like very much or someone you have some tension with. Answer the question:

If the universe were using this person or situation as a perfect ally to help you grow, what would you get to learn about yourself and about life?

• What is it that I could not have experienced without this person/circumstance?
• What is my biggest judgment about the way it is? Am I willing to see that the opposite of my judgment is as true or truer?
• How is this person/situation helping me face something I have been unwilling to acknowledge?
• In twenty years (or two), what will I say I learned from this person/situation?
• In twenty years (or two), what about this will I be grateful for?

Conscious leaders look at life through the perspective of learning and growth. They wonder about how everyone and everything, especially challenges and potential obstacles, are actually allies in their development.