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There are those times when life throws us a curve-ball, yet if we have a plan and a system we can get through it. Other times our personal productivity is limited by the way that we are thinking about our lives, our goals, and our future.

Take control of your perspective

When our view of the future is clouded by worry and fear, it is time to pause in our travels and take stock of the situation. This is when the intellectual self needs to “take back the steering wheel” from the emotional self. Here are some pointers for doing just that:

• Don’t cross the bridge before you come to it - An old cliche that is none-the-less good advice. No one has ever succeeded in this particular feat. I like this expression because it captures the worthlessness of worrying about a future decision, fearing what may or may not come to pass. Crossing the river in my mind does nothing to help me make my way right now.

• Don’t let frustration hold you back - The largest source of frustration is self-pity, the second comes from the fear of trying something different. If you are experienceing frustration - try a new tack.

• Don’t overlook small blessings - It is truly the little things that count the most. A modern automobile has over 17,000 separate components. Most of the ones that we can see are pretty big, like the body panels and tires. But that tiny little valve stem is what keeps a tire inflated, and can mean the difference between getting where you want to go, or just getting to be dirty and late.

Sometimes, though, the best way to recuperate is to stop altogether and take the time to smell the roses. Read a book, go for a walk, call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Renew yourself and your energy level before you start working and thinking again.