The single idea that’s had the most impact on me is the Buddhist philosophy of turning poison into medicine.

In effect, that adverse events contain the potential for positive outcomes; that failure is often the springboard to success; or that frustration with the status quo stimulates change for the better.

I find it so compelling because I’ve yet to find a situation where it isn’t beneficial.

In the workplace, for example, those who solve problems rather than whinging about them progress faster and are more fun to be around. It’s also the essence of entrepreneurship — seeing crappy products or services as opportunities to create something better.

Outside of work, if we re-frame struggles as opportunities: to develop our character, learn valuable lessons for the future, or prevent others from experiencing a similar fate, then positive, fulfilling outcomes are possible even in dire situations.

It's also the underlying mindset that drives successful designers, and customer experience professionals more broadly. The aspiration is always to improve people’s quality of life — to take what is stressful, tedious or unpleasant and remove or improve it.

Turn poison into medicine... A simple philosophy perhaps, but I’ve yet to find a more effective one.

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