All Things Inspired

I did not have that on my bingo card!

"Wow! I did not have that on my bingo card!" I chuckle every time I hear someone say this when something completely unexpected happens. The metaphoric use of a bingo card is a perfect example as it represents a likely list of predictable items or events. So, when an unexpected event happens that you would not have ever considered to be a possibility suddenly occurs, it's easy to discover that this event isn't on that list, or in this case, not on your bingo card.

Let's take advantage of the bingo card anecdote and examine some possibly profound insights on this topic. We'll break it down into two parts. The first is to consider how to organize tasks and goals after an unexpected disruption. And secondly, we'll consider items that perhaps should be on your bingo card (things you should expect to happen). At the end of this topic, you may just find yourself putting together your own personal bingo card to acknowledge your progress throughout the year. Just imagine how enjoyable and rewarding it would be to make this a fun experience that you could gain developmental assets from.

Okay, we'll start by breaking down three key elements to contemplate after the unexpected happens to you. The three elements or steps in the process are as follows:

Shock and disorientation - when uncertainty strikes, human nature makes us recoil. This is the beginning of processing what has happened.
Regroup - this is both a physical and mental reset. Emotions are confusing. You feel a need for something comfortable, and you want space around you to concentrate on what's next. Caution should be taken concerning space, to make sure this isn't just to provide yourself with a false sense of security against further disruption.
Prioritizing action - this is key as it gets you back in the game and moving in a positive direction. Remember that all the tasks you may have considered in achieving your goals after the unexpected may not be equally important. You must prioritize and focus on the ones that allow you to take the first steps without further disruption followed by the next important ones that increase your engagement in recovery toward your growth or goals.

These three elements will give you a strong foundation for recovery after an unexpected event. If you were on a trajectory of transformational growth prior to the unexpected event, these steps will help you get back on track and refocused. If you weren't working toward such growth, I would encourage you to view some of the other topics on our website for the material that will help you on this path in life.

While we like to have a little fun with the concept of something unexpected not being on our bingo card, let's talk about what should be on your bingo card for this year (and beyond). Below is a graphic of an All Things Inspired bingo card. I would encourage you to create your own bingo card to identify things important to you that you want to accomplish this coming year. If you can't think of enough items, copy and enlarge the following graphic and print it out for your own use.

All Things Inspired bingo card. Create your own or copy and print this bingo card to use.

Looking at this All Things Inspired bingo card, we'll summarize each square as a review from some of our earlier articles. All you have to do this year is mark off five of these items in a row across, down or diagonally. In the following summary of each square, consider how exciting it will be for you if by the end of this year you can yell out, "BINGO!"

Here's the summary of squares:

I set at least one goal - this should be the easiest square to mark. What is a meaningful goal you want to achieve this year?
I've made a sacrifice to reach my goal - this is challenging because often to be successful in the pursuit of our goals we must sacrifice something we like to achieve the goal. Think this through, make a choice and sacrifice.
I am patient - you must be patient with the process of transformational growth. Remember that success is a journey, not a destination!
I am not afraid to fail - failure is a key component of success. Fail, regroup, keep trying.
I have discipline - this is important as the journey to transformational growth is a long and winding road, strewn with potholes. You can navigate it successfully with discipline.
I faced adversity and won - this is the very topic we are discussing in this article. Something unexpected will always happen. It's how you prepare for it and address it that's important.
A mindset for success - nothing happens without a good mindset!
I took risks - the riskiest thing you can do in life is not to take a risk. Evaluate the risk to reward ratio and act.
I created habits - good habits foster a successful drive toward goals.
I made an impact - you have the opportunity to not only change your life but be impactful to other people you meet in life.
I did not procrastinate - tomorrow never comes, so do it today!
I have an attitude of gratitude - be thankful for the things that happen to you in life, both good and bad.
Free to be me - this free space in the middle entitles you to not only mark the space but to remind you that part of the success you achieve comes through realizing that you are free to be who you are! So, go ahead and mark this space completed!
I am focused on goals - focus on the prize, avoid the distractions.
I made a change - you cannot become successful tomorrow by depending on who you are today! You must change!
I ask more questions - have an inquisitive mind. Successful people tend to ask more questions, by which they acquire more knowledge. This helps you solve problems.
I only handle what I can control - focus on what you can control and don't waste time on the things that you cannot control.
I am accountable - you and only you are responsible for your actions! Plan accordingly.
I have a vision - this is a key first step in transformational growth. See yourself successful.
I have a lion mindset - a lion doesn't have to prove that it's a threat. You know what the lion is capable of. Be the lion!
I commit to my plan - don't be complacent. Stick to the plan and see it through to success.
I have a prepared mind - you have prepared yourself for the journey to success.
I share my gift - if you have been fortunate to realize what your gift in life is, it is important to share it with others.
I am better than average - you have value. Your life has purpose. Your story is important. Your dreams count. Your voice matters.
I am confident - it's not arrogance. It's knowing what you are capable of and understanding that you have what it takes to win!

BINGO! You can do it! Have fun with it and enjoy your journey to success!

Just because unexpected things happen to you doesn't mean you can't be prepared and overcome the disruption. There are people out there today, people that you might know, or you may even be that person that thinks they have to wait until they are completely ready in life for something good to happen. This is a terrible thing to believe and doesn't have to be the course of life for you. Think about it; are we really ever ready to accomplish what we dream? Could it be that there is no such thing? There is however, always a now! So, wake up, put your dream in action, and get busy! Now is the best time to try.

Be inspired! Inspire others!