One of the most effective forms of action is creative thinking. If we want to find a positive path that allows for blessings to flourish, developing our thought process definitely fits that definition. As the saying goes, “Fortune favors the prepared mind”.
Through creative thinking, a person can turn difficulty into opportunity. When life runs smoothly, there is usually no motivation to examine one’s decisions or make changes and as a result, the potential for breakthrough remains low. However in times of crisis, people are more likely to reassess, look for new solutions, and unlock greater capabilities through innovation.
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch noted that the Hebrew word yesurim (suffering) shares a root with yishurim (realignment). Trials and challenges serve as a chance for personal recalibration, to realign with a better path and achieve greater outcomes. If the person views the challenge as an opportunity, they can come out stronger and use it as a springboard for growth.
Research confirms that “successful” people are often those who adopt this mindset. For instance, when they are fired from a job, they see it as an opportunity to pivot to something better. If they miss a flight, they look for a silver lining in the delay. They focus on what can be gained, even from minor inconveniences.
It’s worth noting that the Hebrew word mashber (crisis) shares a root with shever, which can also mean “provision” or “supply”- like the grain provided in Egypt. The word mashbir means “provider,” indicating that within every crisis lies potential for growth and nourishment, if we can recognize it. Even the birthing stool is called a mashber, reinforcing the idea that crisis is often the birthplace of something new.
There’s a well-known saying: “When one door closes, another opens.” The problem is that people often focus so intently on the door that closed, that they miss the one that opened.
Many avoid taking risks because they immediately envision the worst-case scenarios, as if they’ve already happened. When fear takes over, they avoid risk entirely, even calculated risk. Without risk however, there is no chance of reward. If they thought more creatively, they might see the potential in new opportunities with as much clarity as they see the danger. That shift in thinking could open doors to unexpected success.
Successful people are willing to take calculated risks. They’re open to challenging their own assumptions and facing the discomfort of change. These small, well-thought-out risks can help shatter the “glass ceilings” we set for ourselves.
A person who says, “I don’t like taking risks,” is essentially saying, “I don’t like change, and I resist renewal”. However, every new path requires a degree of risk. The more we embrace it, the more we’ll be able to break through our limits and move forward in life.
