Tip#194: Start From Scratch – Regarding Henry

Sometimes you have to start from scratch when you're stuck solving a problem. Erasing an old mindset may be the answer to creating the effective, optimistic mindset you desire.

Right now, all around downtown Toronto there are big changes happening. Areas and buildings are being renovated and revitalized. I just walked by the Yonge and Bloor area and was shocked to see the entire southeast area torn down. It was just a pile of rubble where many business buildings and stores once stood for decades.

It was a perfect metaphor similar to what I wrote about in tip#192 where even if you grew accustomed to something for many years that you have to let go of it in order for something new and better to come in.

Regarding Henry

The movie Regarding Henry is all about starting from scratch. The film stars Harrison Ford as Henry a ruthless lawyer who has his memory erased after a gunshot wound to the head. He couldn't remember who he was or even his own wife and daughter. He also forgot the unethical behaviour he lived by as a lawyer.

The silver lining to Henry's devastating situation was that his mind was like a child needing to relearn the basics about life. He was able to activate his built-in attitudes for being a more thoughtful and loving human being. He rebooted his own world to become a better husband and father and lead a more meaningful life.

Starting from scratch is what happened to me with my early mid-life crisis that hit in 2000. And looking back I now appreciate the trauma and pain that helped shake up my old paradigms. It was the only way I could rebuild my values and the people that were most important to me. I also found the courage to leave a job that no longer held meaning for me and rebuilt a career that I love deeply.

And one day I know I'll walk by the Yonge and Bloor area and see something brand new that may be even more exciting then what I was used to seeing for years.

Fresh New Perspective

So if you find yourself in a situation that is forcing you into letting go of a mindset do your best to focus on the silver lining. Let go of what you are used to. You are being asked to start from scratch and build a fresh new perspective on living.

Find the courage to step into the unknown with childlike wonder. The life you are stepping into may be more amazing than the one you are in now!

Emmanuel Lopez
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2008