When you face obstacles and problems, your normal first reaction is to view them at face-value and determine there’s little that you can do about them. Sure, you may consider some solutions that may have worked before, but when they won’t do, then what? You make adjustments that result in moving the target or planning for less or accepting the fate you’re dealt. All of these are inferior solutions, but happen all the time.

You do it to your firm:

Since we’re behind on the budget, we’ll have to settle for a lower profit.

Since we disappointed the client, we won’t be able to keep them.

Since my prospect already has a relationship with my competitor, I’ll have to accept that I won’t be their provider anytime soon.

You do it to your clients:

Since the regulation is clear, you can’t do what you want to do.

Since we’re behind on the schedule, we won’t be able to meet the deadline.

Since we haven’t completed all the documentation, we can’t begin as early as you want us to.

You do it to yourself:

Since there are others who are better than I am, I have to accept that I won’t be able to beat them.

Since my client doesn’t know what I COULD do for them, I have to settle for a lesser role.

In the end, you will either be the one who plods along the path that everyone else travels or you will take an alternate route that differentiates yourself. Make your first reaction to reject your first impression. Only then will you be prepared to consider other options that aren’t readily seen. If you learn to do this (and you CAN learn to do this), you will enjoy more, contribute more and be valued more. It’s what your professionalism is all about.