Life has a way of testing our patience, especially in times of difficulty. Moments when we feel overwhelmed, stuck, or even defeated. It’s in these times that we often find ourselves venting, complaining, or ruminating on what’s wrong. It’s natural. After all, acknowledging struggle is part of being human. But what if we asked ourselves a simple yet profound question: If I can use energy to complain about it, can I use the same or less energy to improve it?
The answer lies in understanding how we direct our energy. Every thought, word, and action we take is an investment of that energy. When we constantly focus on what’s wrong, we pour our energy into frustration, fear, and stagnation. But when we shift our perspective—even slightly—we begin harnessing energy for positive change.
The Science Behind Change
Neuroscience tells us that our brains have a built-in negativity bias, a survival mechanism that makes us more sensitive to threats and difficulties (American Psychological Association). This means that when we face challenges, our default mode may be to dwell on them rather than look for solutions. However, our brain is also incredibly adaptable. The more we train ourselves to focus on action rather than complaint, the more our neural pathways reinforce a mindset of empowerment and resilience (Greater Good Science Center).
Shifting Mindset: Choose Growth Over Negativity
Difficult moments are crossroads. One road leads to despair and inaction, while the other leads to possibility and growth. Harnessing energy for positive change doesn’t mean ignoring hardship—it means acknowledging the difficulty and then deciding where to direct our energy.
Recognize Your Power to Choose
We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond. Recognizing that you have a choice in every moment—even if it’s just the choice of your next thought—gives you back your power (Psychology Today).
- Try This: Next time you catch yourself complaining, pause and ask, What is one small action I can take right now to improve this situation? It could be as simple as changing your perspective, reaching out for help, or taking the first step toward a solution.
Reframe the Situation
Reframing is a powerful tool that allows us to see challenges as opportunities. Instead of thinking, This is happening to me, try shifting to This is happening for me (Mindful.org).
- Try This: When facing a tough situation, ask yourself, What can I learn from this? or How can I grow from this? This simple shift in language changes the way your brain processes the experience.
Taking Action: The Energy of Change
Change doesn’t always require monumental effort. Often, the energy we use to dwell on problems is equal to or greater than the energy required to take action. Complaining, stressing, and worrying drain us. Choosing solutions, shifting perspectives, and taking even the smallest steps forward replenish us.
Take Small Steps Toward Growth
Action is the antidote to stagnation. Even the smallest step forward can disrupt negative thought patterns and create momentum for change.
- Try This: Instead of waiting for motivation, take one small step—write down a plan, make a phone call, research a solution, or change one habit (James Clear – Atomic Habits). Action fuels motivation, not the other way around.
Final Thought: Where Will Your Energy Go?
When faced with difficulty, pause and ask yourself: Am I spending my energy dwelling on the problem, or am I investing it in a solution? Every day, we make this choice, consciously or unconsciously. The power is in our hands.
Instead of asking, Why is this happening to me? try asking, What can I do with this?
The energy is already within you. Where will you direct it?
oobCREATIVE Supports Positive Change
Harnessing energy for positive change extends beyond personal growth—it also means investing in communities and organizations that drive meaningful transformation.
oobCREATIVE’s Youth Initiative: Empowering Youth
oobCREATIVE believes in fostering creativity, resilience, and positive change in young minds. Learn more about how the oobCREATIVE Youth Initiative supports young individuals in finding their voices and creating impact through art, storytelling, and innovation.
Helping Organizations Make Change
For organizations looking to make a real difference, oobCREATIVE’s Service Plans provide tailored strategies to amplify messages, engage communities, and drive sustainable impact. Whether you’re a nonprofit, a business, or a community leader, these plans offer the tools to turn vision into action.