Are You Focused on the Closed Door?

Alexander Graham Bell said, “When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.”

Everyone has regrets about missed opportunities – a promotion we didn’t get, a job offer that didn’t come through, a talented team member who was recruited away. If we focus too much on the door that has closed behind us, we miss opportunities that are ahead.

How to focus on the open door

1. Play to your strengths

Using the decision making approach that works best for you will ensure that you are less likely to regret a decision. If you need time to analyze the options, do so. If you process information quickly, be confident in moving forward.

2. Accept the outcome of past decisions

Consider whether you could have done anything differently but recognize that you can’t change the past. Don’t waste too much energy on what could have been.

3. Focus on the future

Decide how you will apply what you have learned and translate that into action. How will you approach a similar situation the next time it arises?

Life is too short to dwell on closed doors. If you are having difficulty focusing on new opportunities, contact me cheryl@csbryan.com