What can you do when facing the Storm? | Simply S.T.A.R.T.

You probably already know that life is comprised of a series of ups and downs; Twists and turns which end up testing us to the core. Hopefully, in our formative years, we were able to establish a solid foundation upon which to continue constructing the building that will ultimately be our life's biggest achievement. Even if we were fortunate enough to be standing upon a solid foundation, the solidity and stability of that foundation is bound to be tested from time to time. For some, a challenging situation could present itself in the form of a medical diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, a sudden financial burden or a host of other reasons. Regardless of what this traumatic situation might be, there are several steps you can follow to give you a better chance of recovering promptly from it. I have developed a simple to remember formula that can help you see things from a different perspective and hopefully surpass whatever situation is affecting you. I call it the S.T.A.R.T. Formula. Here are the steps: Survey Transform Aim Reach Transcend I have been working on this formula for a while and continue to improve upon its definition; However, its core definition and purpose has the potential of helping you endure and triumph over life's relentless challenges. Here is a detailed look at what each one of these steps can do to help you in your journey to triumph over your challenges and difficulties. Survey While you are enduring the challenge and immediately after it has passed (if it is a transient situation), pay close attention to what has actually happened and what damage has to be dealt with. The Survey phase of this formula has a dual purpose; It helps you measure the damage and how the situation has affected you and those around you.  If we were talking about the passing storm, then the Survey phase is the time spent evaluating the speed of the winds, the amount of precipitation and the potential damage that may affect the land in its path. This is also a good time to also spend time focusing on what has survived. Finding a silver lining during the surveying phase is an essential step because it helps us be grateful for that which we still have and reminds us that not all is lost. This gives us something to fight for and can help fuel our determination to fight and recover. Transform Sometimes all we need to do to begin changing our current situation, is to change our perspective about it. I love how Dr. Wayne Dyer puts it, he says "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change". It often times is a change in perspective that can get your mind ready to begin moving in the right direction. After you have surveyed the damage, it is in your best interest to begin thinking objectively about the aftermath and prepare to change your attitude to recovery-mode. We often feel sorry for ourselves after enduring a tragedy and it is completely normal to run through a wide gamut of emotions when we face loss. However, here is where we do our best to employ the virtue of  Fortitude; Thereby, transforming our attitude from looking backwards to setting our sights forward. Aim   Surrendering to the circumstances is not an option, understanding the circumstances, learning from them and moving forward is our only option. Now that we have objectively surveyed the damage and transformed our attitudes about it, it is time to set our sights on rebuilding that which has been destroyed. It is now time to set new goals and begin looking optimistically at what is yet to come. This triumphant mentality can help us shake off the sadness and redirect our energy into taking action. After all, simply sitting down and doing nothing is not something that characterizes us. Of course, every circumstance is different and unique to every individual and there will be times that previous efforts and projects might have to be abandoned and a new plan must be started from scra...