It is What it is...Rather it Was What it Was

“It is what is it…until I change it!”

Whether at work, or at home, or just about anywhere, a very common phrase that I often hear repeated is “It is what it is.” Though used for different reasons in different situations, saying this phrase demonstrates a lack mentality as well as an inability to shape our world. It can imply that there is nothing we can do or could have done about our circumstance or situation and therefore we must settle and learn to deal with “what it is.” I am here to write today that it may be currently “what it is” but that we do not have to accept it—because we have the power within us to change it.

The other day I used this phrase when the results came back from a certain project at work. Though not horrible, the results were less than I was hoping for. After saying this phrase I realized that so much more could have been done to prevent the less than stellar results. I also realized that I did not have to accept these result moving forward and that I could now learn from my mistakes to ensure future results for future projects were improved.

To illustrate another story, recently a friend of mine hoping to receive a promotion at work used this phrase when he failed to gain what he had hoped for. In a state of futility he said it with a look of defeat. I encouraged him not to give up, though at this point he seems to be content with settling with the fate that has been handed him. When we take this approach it may truly remain “what it is,” we need to realize though that it doesn’t have to.

In all honesty I am guilty of using this phrase too often. However, I am now adding to it when I say it. Instead of simply saying the phrase I always add “it is what it is for now but that doesn’t mean I can’t change it!” This builds in my mind the understanding that things can change and that I can shape my own results and outcomes in life. I do not have to settle or accept things I am not satisfied with in my life.

In my experience it often is what it is over a long period of time for two reasons. First, we lack the determination and patience it requires to change “what it is” and second, we lack the confidence that it can be done. One or both of these two things hold us back and truly make it “what it is” for us. But again, we do not have to allow “what it is” to be permanent. Though it may take time and effort to realize our dreams, with a steady focus and determination, knowing we have the ability to accomplish anything we put our mind to, we can eventually always change “what it is.”

One of the simple joys in life is moving this phrase from the present to the past. Through confidence, hard work and sometimes patience, we can change It is what it is to It was what it was until I changed it. The power is within us to achieve our goals and to not settle for anything less.