Reframing

To me, reframing is the perfect capstone for this discussion. It’s a way to reassess perceived failures as valuable feedback—not proof of weakness. Reframing gives you a superpower: the ability to shift perspective.  

It’s a technique used in business, psychology, communication, and software engineering. It is a useful tool, and one could argue it has been around since ancient times. The Greek Stoic philosopher Epictetus, who died in 135 AD, said, “Men are disturbed not by things, but by the views which they take of things.” It sounds like a reframing opportunity to me.

People often see “quitting” as a sign of weakness, yet just as often, it can be seen as an important step in growth, one that can clear the way for better opportunities. By shifting perspective—honestly, accurately, yet dispassionately—quitting can be empowering.

This skill requires the ability to depersonalize outcomes. My mentor, Dr. Peter Jannetta, a maverick in the rigid and hierarchical field of neurosurgery, used to describe some of his hiring follies in our department as “failed experiments.” In doing so, he seemed to take them in stride rather than in self-contempt. That’s because he knew that the neurosurgery department he was creating at the University of Pittsburgh would become one of the greatest in the U.S. and the world. And building with that kind of intensity and confidence meant there would be failures along the way. As a leader, he knew that to be a home run hitter, you will strike out sometimes.

Earlier in my career, an institution I worked at accused me of false allegations and tried to remove me from the staff. I felt their actions were politically and financially motivated, and I immediately challenged their action.  For the next 6 months of my legal battle, I was furious and wanted revenge. I was livid that something like that could be foisted upon me, and I wasn’t eating or sleeping well. My emotions were getting in the way of my personal and professional life.

Fortunately, my life coach helped me realize that the only way I would have the staying power to endure the long battle towards exoneration was if I had created a positive goal for my journey.

I reframed my perspective from anger and revenge to being an exemplar to my family and colleagues of how the little guy should stand firm for their ideals and not back down to big, powerful institutions when wronged. Three and a half years later, I won my battle!

For more information on reframing and great nuggets of wisdom, check out Joe ’s book Spartan Up! Joe talks about recalibration of one’s frame of reference, perspective shifting and challenge comparisons.