"Je traite tout ce qui arrive dans la vie bon ou mauvais comme formateur"

Seeing every moment in life as a learning experience, whether it's fantastic or dreadful, is the heart of this sentiment. It's about taking each event—good or bad—and understanding that it shapes who you are. The concept is simple: everything you go through molds you, making you a more complex, resilient, and insightful person. It’s like saying life is one big classroom, and every experience is a lesson.

Historically and personally, this idea rings true for so many people. Think about someone like Nelson Mandela. He spent 27 years in prison, a place where most would only see suffering and loss. Yet, he treated this period as formative. It shaped his perspective, his resilience, and ultimately his leadership. When he finally walked free, he emerged with a vision of reconciliation and healing for a divided South Africa. Instead of letting those years embitter him, he used them to grow and to prepare for the monumental task ahead.

Now, picture this: you're at your dream job, but suddenly, you're laid off. It's a gut punch. But instead of spiraling into despair, you decide to treat this setback as formative. You reflect on what you learned at that job, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and maybe even discover a passion you hadn't fully explored yet. This shift in mindset could lead you to start your own business, one that aligns more with your values and goals. Or, perhaps it pushes you to acquire new skills—coding, digital marketing, or even something niche like artisanal baking. Essentially, you transform a negative experience into a springboard for growth.

To apply this wisdom in your own life, start by embracing a reflective practice. Whenever something significant happens, take a moment to analyze it. Ask yourself: "What did I learn? How did this change me? What can I do differently next time?" By doing this, you’re actively shaping your own development. It’s about being proactive in the face of life’s unpredictability.

Let's dig into a relatable scenario. Imagine you're back in high school, and you bomb a crucial exam. You're devastated, thinking your dreams of college are dashed. But then, you remember to treat this failure as formative. So, you sit down and figure out what went wrong. Maybe you didn’t study effectively, or perhaps you were too distracted by your part-time job. You decide to change your habits—you create a study schedule, find a tutor, and cut back on work hours. The next time, you ace the test. Even if you don’t, you’ve learned resilience and perseverance—skills that will take you far beyond any exam.

So, next time life throws you a curveball, big or small, try to see it as a formative experience. Whether you’re dealing with a breakup, a job loss, or even a happy event like getting a promotion, ask yourself: “How is this shaping me?” By doing so, you’re not just surviving life’s ups and downs—you’re using them to become a stronger, wiser version of yourself. Remember, every step on this journey has the potential to teach you something valuable. Treat it all as formative, and who knows how much you’ll grow?