Your Thoughts Create Your Reality - Stephanie Weese

By Stephanie Weese, CFO, MSBO Board President, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, Livingston ESA

I recently attended the ASBO International Annual Conference, and as always, I looked forward to the keynote speaker. This year, Steve Rizzo, the author of Get Your Shift Together, delivered a message that truly resonated with me. One phrase, in particular, stood out: “Your thoughts create your reality.” We all have stressful jobs (at least at times), and there are many things we cannot control. However, we can control our thoughts.

One of the first steps in managing stress is acknowledging how we feel without letting it dictate our mood. Rizzo suggests that when we recognize these emotions, we can consciously choose to reframe them. Instead of asking, “Why did this happen?” try asking, “What can I learn from this?” This shift in focus is not about ignoring negative emotions but about finding a way to grow from them.

Shifting focus doesn’t happen overnight. For me, it began with simple daily reflections. At the end of each day, I would pick out one positive thing, even if it was just making it through a challenging day. Over time, this habit grew, and I started to shift my focus throughout the day, especially during difficult moments. Rizzo emphasizes the importance of building habits that encourage positive thinking. He suggests starting the day with gratitude or reflecting on positive interactions, which can set a more optimistic tone for the day.

We all face setbacks, whether it’s a stressful meeting or an unexpected challenge. Instead of letting these moments weigh me down, I began to see them as opportunities for growth. Rizzo shares a similar perspective, encouraging us to view difficulties as stepping stones. When a conversation doesn’t go as planned or a task feels overwhelming, ask yourself, “What did I learn?” or “How can this experience help me grow?” This mindset shift can turn negative experiences into valuable lessons, ultimately reducing stress and building resilience.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned throughout my career is the power of connection. Positive interactions with colleagues and friends can significantly impact our well-being. For me, simply catching up with a colleague or helping someone with a question brightened my day. Rizzo also stresses the value of human connection, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. By focusing on these positive connections, we can shift our attention away from stressors and toward what brings us joy and support.

Shifting focus is an excellent tool for managing stress, but it’s also important to revisit other self-care strategies. Whether it’s taking a walk, practicing mindfulness, or spending time with loved ones, find what works for you and make it a priority. Rizzo encourages readers to include activities that bring joy into their daily routines, emphasizing that these small moments of self-care can make a big difference.

Managing stress is a continuous journey, and shifting focus is just one of many strategies. By consciously reframing negative thoughts, building positive habits, and finding strength through connections, we can foster a more resilient mindset. As Rizzo puts it, “Get your SHIFT together” and choose to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Whatever methods you choose, remember to take time to focus on what brings you peace and joy—you deserve it.

If this article sounds familiar, I wrote a similar one in 2021 (or maybe 2022) reflecting on the pandemic, titled “Shift Your Focus.” After hearing Steve Rizzo speak, I felt inspired to refresh that article and incorporate his insights.

Your Thoughts Create Your Reality – Stephanie Weese

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