In 2019, I was in New York to receive an award. It’s only at the dinner itself that awardees know if they’ve been awarded gold, silver or bronze in their category.
I got a bronze.
Acute disappointment flooded me followed by negative self-talk. Glad for my cousin’s company which was calming plus I asked myself quickly:
Will it matter in 5 years’ time?
The answer was a resounding NO.
That helped me regained my composure to enjoy the walk up the stage to receive the award.
5 years on, the answer is still a resounding NO — having a bronze did not affect the quality of my life or my work. 🌷
There have been other occasions that I’ve asked the question and the answer has been a YES. That’s when I know something has to be done for example, leaving toxic relationships.
But more often than not, the answers have been no.
Asking this question when you’re feeling upset is a useful way to pattern interrupt.
Test it out the next time something upsets or overwhelms you.