Many people find it challenging to view situations from a different perspective.

It’s human nature to notice the negative before the positive. For those who naturally focus on the positive, congratulations! But the story doesn’t end there.

Life’s Three Sides

Most things in life have three sides:

• The Upside (positive side)
• The Downside (negative side)
• The Facts

This mirrors the saying, “There are three sides to a story: My side, your side, and the truth.”

No matter where you start on the spectrum, positive or negative, using the facts as a bridge helps to ground your perspective.

Embracing Uncertainty

Life is full of uncertainties, and the key lies in accepting things as they are in the moment.

Acceptance doesn’t mean weakness, conformity, or mediocrity. Instead, it’s a chance to exercise critical thinking. By identifying the three sides of any situation, we can better determine how to address it.

Choosing Your Response

We always have a choice in how we respond to events. For example:

If someone pays you a compliment, you can choose to feel flattered or offended. The intention behind the gesture introduces the third side of the scenario: the facts.