The past couple of weeks in Iowa have been a flurry of snow and sub-zero temps. Towards the middle of this fun weather came a random day where the temperature got to 20 degrees. It was amazing how good 20 degrees felt. Strange to say how exciting 20 degrees is but when our benchmark is sub-zero, it’s certainly justified.

What if my benchmark changed from sub-zero temps to beautiful fall weather? Why would 20 degrees feel so good during this period of horrible weather yet, in the fall, if we were asked about the 20 degrees we’d probably complain of the cold. Same 20 degrees, two very different benchmarks.

Take a moment and transition this idea from weather to work. Sub-zero temps may represent challenging and difficult times to persevere through while fall may be more in the comfortable seat of coasting each day.

Now imagine disruption happening at work – could be a difficult project, an acquisition, new legislative landscape to work with, etc.

Benchmark 1: If we’re in coast mode, when this disruption presents itself, the mind tends to compare the time of disruption and challenge to a state of comfortableness and ease. Naturally, perspective shifts to more of a negative framework when this idea of facing a challenge is so different than the benchmark that’s been built. Your mind wants to be pulled back towards the benchmark of comfort, yet this disruptive moment will push you far away from your benchmark.

Benchmark 2: If we’ve exposed ourselves to difficulty and complexity during our career, the benchmark the mind uses is more likely to be times of struggle and difficulty. What’s the big deal if another challenge presents itself? The more we’ve faced difficulty, the more we’ve normalized that facing the hard is okay and is part of what we need to continue to strive for something greater. When disruption is presented, the mind views the situation very close to what you’ve already normalized and facing the hard is just another day.

The way we benchmark is an important element into how we bring perspective to a situation. We’ve discussed weather and work, but every other part of your life has the same opportunity for perspective. Working out, relationships, raising kids, engagement in your community – every aspect of your life, perspective can play an important role.

Take your step: look at a couple areas of your life (work, family, health, etc.) and reflect on what you see as your benchmark. At work what’s been your willingness to take on the uncomfortable? For your health, what’s the meals you tend to benchmark? While thinking about working out, what intensity or frequency do you use as a benchmark? Within the couple areas of your life you’ve identified, think through your current benchmark, and reflect on whether that benchmark supports the growth you want to see or if work to adjust the benchmark is needed for striving your better tomorrow.