Reframing Negative Thoughts: Turning “Unfortunately” into “Fortunately

Negative thoughts have a way of sneaking in and taking over. A project doesn’t go as planned, the meeting runs off the rails, or the day just starts with spilled coffee and a flat tire. When that happens, it’s easy to get stuck in “unfortunately” mode. But here’s the thing: almost every negative can be reframed into a positive. The shift might not always be obvious, but it’s always possible. And sometimes, the best way to learn this is through a little laughter.

In my team building workshops, I often use an improv game called “Fortunately, Unfortunately.” It’s simple, silly, and surprisingly eye-opening.

How the Game Works

• Someone starts with a negative statement that begins with “unfortunately.”

• The next person flips it into a positive with “fortunately.”

• The story keeps bouncing back and forth, one line at a time.

For example:

• “Unfortunately, our company picnic got rained out.”

• “Fortunately, we turned it into an indoor pizza party instead.”

• “Unfortunately, the pizza delivery guy got lost.”

• “Fortunately, we had time to play some games and laugh together while we waited.”

Pretty soon the story takes on a life of its own—usually veering into the ridiculous. And while everyone is laughing, something more important is happening: the group is practicing the skill of reframing. (This just the gist of it, there are many variations and variables that I teach in my workshops.)

Why It Sticks

The game is a great reminder of how quickly our perspective can change. A negative can instantly become a positive with a simple shift in focus. And just as quickly, a positive can slide back into a negative if we let it.

What starts out as a goofy storytelling exercise turns into a deeper lesson:

• Resilience is built when we see challenges as opportunities.

• Trust grows when people feel safe to throw ideas into the mix.

• Positivity spreads when teams practice “yes, and” thinking.

A Small Shift, A Big Impact

Reframing isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about recognizing that in almost every challenge, there’s a chance to grow, connect, or laugh together.

That’s the beauty of “Fortunately, Unfortunately.” It’s not just a game—it’s a playful way to practice one of the most important leadership skills: choosing how we see things.

Final Thought

If your team could use more laughter, connection, and fresh perspective, this is exactly the kind of work I love doing. At www.scottparkerleadership.com  you’ll find details on my leadership and team building workshops where we use improv, games, and conversation to bring these lessons to life. After more than 20 years of leading sessions, I can promise you this: your team will leave with new skills, new energy, and probably a few funny stories too.