“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
— Viktor Frankl

This quote found its way to me recently, and it really struck a chord.

I remember speaking with a mentor many years ago as I was navigating a particularly challenging situation.

They asked me: “What if this situation is here to help you evolve? To help you grow?”

My answer at the time?

“Well, if that’s the case, the universe has a weird sense of humour!”

But looking back with perspective, that adverse situation forced me to dig deep in a way that changed me—for the better. It was painful at the time – but in hindsight, it was very positive, growth oriented pain. What if the universe  really was helping me evolve?

We all go through moments when the world shifts beneath our feet. Policies change. Markets move. People behave unpredictably. Plans unravel. Our personal life gets disrupted. And suddenly, we realise:

This situation is outside our control.

It’s tempting in those moments to fight, resist, or wish things were different.

But Frankl’s insight offers a different path—one that puts the power back in our hands. If we can’t change the situation, we’re invited to change ourselves. Not from weakness, but from strength.

Real leadership and real resilience begin when we stop trying to control the uncontrollable and start adapting from within.

That might mean learning how to shift our mindset.

It might mean letting go of an old story and walking through fear.

It might mean finding clarity and creativity where others are stuck in reactivity.

So this week, a reflection:

What situation in your life or work are you trying to control (if you’re feeling resistance anywhere that’s the clue) – that might actually be calling you to shift from within? What might change if you did?

Best,

Shane

The Inner Edge Podcast – Most Recent Episode:

Ep 225: Trump, Tariffs And Adversity

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