I recently completed a major hypnotherapy project that demanded all my determination and strength to finish on time. Spending long hours hunched over my laptop took me away from loved ones and prevented me from marketing my services. Between this and my (corporate) part-time job’s stresses, focusing only on the negatives did me no favours. However, by utilising my Solution Focused training, I embraced a more balanced perspective. In daily reflections, I asked myself: What inner resources did I use to overcome these challenges? What qualities ensured I completed this project on time, despite obstacles? Once I sat with the answers – qualities like passion, dedication, and resilience – my entire mindset shifted.

So here’s a thought exercise: Consider a difficult work or life situation you faced. As the difficulties fill your mind, add a solution-focused twist. Ask yourself: What strengths and resources did I utilise in that situation, even if I struggled? Jot down the qualities that got you through. Own them. They are yours.

This isn’t about ego. It’s about seeing the full picture. We all face trials, but we also access our unique gifts and abilities to navigate them. Our brains have a negativity bias, so we must consciously counterbalance by acknowledging our wins. There is an inner wisdom hidden within every hardship, waiting to be uncovered.

The challenges I faced recently reminded me that I cannot give freely without nourishing myself. I had to refuel through self-care to maintain the energy this project required. I recharged by spending time outdoors, listening to audiobooks (cannot recommend The Lord of the Rings read by Andy Serkis enough), and chatting with friends. When we feel depleted, it’s easy to lose perspective and only see problems. Self-care helps us regain balance.

My part-time job provides needed income but also distracts me from my real passion: helping others through hypnotherapy. I was letting it drain too much time and mental bandwidth. So I set firmer boundaries around my availability to focus on what matters most. We all have limited time and energy. It’s essential to direct these precious resources toward what fuels us.

Challenges will always arise. How we meet them makes all the difference. I aim to view them through a Solution Focused lens, highlighting the chance for growth. Each difficulty allows us to discover our hidden wells of wisdom and strength.

What qualities will you find when you search within?