Do you ever find yourself stuck someplace you’d rather not be while trying to get somewhere you want or need to be? From Phoenix, where I’m speaking today, here’s a playful and effective technique to empower yourself and the people around you.

We have a family motto that may work for you. Sometimes we find ourselves with extra time in an unexpected or undesirable place. Perhaps an airport with a delayed flight. Or an out of the way errand. Or Atlanta traffic, which can be traumatic. In such situations, one of us will usually say, “Well, you gotta be somewhere!”

Instead of complaining, being anxious or irritable, or seizing a justified opportunity to get angry – all of which makes you less resourceful and pleasant – those four words “you’ve gotta be somewhere” interrupt the negative downward spiral to activate three powerful, positive truths:

First, we are human beings. Better to be present where you are than absent, angry, or unavailable. So don’t bemoan your circumstances. Accept them and be there.

Second, disruption doesn’t remove your personal agency, but redeploys it. The sooner you bypass negative reaction, the sooner you get to opportunity. Perhaps this is a chance to be creative. Or helpful. Who or what at this moment could benefit from your spirit or resourcefulness?

And third, you are your lifelong companion. Do you enjoy your company? Do you know how to be joyful, and productive no matter where you are? If not, maybe that’s a worthy goal.

I started by saying this technique is playful and effective. But the bigger truth is this: play is effective. We are the most creative, the best companions, and the most valuable contributors not when we’re agitated, but when we’re activated. So when the game changes, play on because, hey, you “gotta be somewhere.” Until next week, stay Off Balance On Purpose.

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