Time: 30 Minutes - 1 Hour
STEP 1: If you need time to process through a situation, take a walk and let your mind work through what’s going on. As you walk, ideas and suggestions will bubble up to help you deal with your challenge. Take a notepad or use your phone to take note (but that is the only need for your phone). Allow yourself time to get a clear head. Remember, when emotion is high, intelligence is low. Learn to deal with lemons in an emotionally healthy and positive way.
STEP 2: If you are dealing with a relationship challenge, it may be best to sit on it for a day or night. It’s easy to let your emotions run wild when you are caught up in what someone did or said, or when a friend lets you down, or your child disappoints you. Give everyone who is involved in the situation time to cool down and get the facts straight. Let the other person know that you are taking a cool down period and not ignoring them.
STEP 3: Reach out. Even though you may not be the person that caused the issue, be the bigger person and extend your hand to the others involved. When they are ready to talk, start the conversation with some kind words and encouraging intentions. Let them know you want the outcome of the conversation to be positive and productive.
STEP 4: If your lemons don’t involve a relationship, take a step back and try to set your emotions aside. Looking at something from an objective point of view can give you a greater perspective on how to handle it. Look at it as a teachable moment and consider the following:
- Could I have done anything differently to stop this from happening?
- What can I do differently next time?
- Who can help me with this problem?
- Do I need to inform anyone that this happened?
- Find a solution.
