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Ever feel like you are fighting a losing battle with life?
Just totally drained, no energy, a little down, bored, unhappy, lost, whatever emotion it may be. I know I totally have before and still do occasionally. Every once in a while life will come at me hard, you know, to test me a little. Life usually likes to sneak up behind you or when you are sleeping, like a little punk and throw a quick jab. Hopefully, this little ditty here will teach you how to see that punch coming, dodge it, or at least take it in the chin but stay on your feet.
HOW TO BEAT LIFE IN A FIST FIGHT
Accept your reality: Shit is going to happen right? No matter what, you can not avoid shit happening. The key is to accept it. Live in your reality. If you just ate a bag of m&m’s and feel guilty, accept it. If you just lost your job, that is your reality right now, accept it. I know that it is easier said then done but the first step in overcoming any obstacles in life is to recognize them and accept that they are there and very much real. If you refuse to acknowledge that there are speed bumps in the road how will you ever avoid them in the future?
I fully realize that some pretty terrible things can come up. But 90% of the time the troubles that strike us are manageable. I spent some time in a very poor part of India. It was a very humbling experience for myself and made me feel very blessed and really put my “problems” into perspective. Most of the issues I was dealing with in my life at the time looked pretty insignificant in comparison.
Instead of putting all your energy into what is going wrong in your life try placing that energy into what is going right. Step back and make a list of all the things you are grateful for. Read it on a daily basis. Read it out loud so you can hear what you are saying.
Onward bound! So you just broke up with the love of your life, just got into a car accident and it was totally your fault. Or maybe you just have whoa-is-me syndrome and feel sorry for yourself because you are stuck in a job you hate. Well move forward! Do something about it. So many of us have such ambitious goals and dreams. Well start doing them! Instead of focusing on the shit that is going down focus on what you can do about it. Take action NOW!
If you are stuck in a job that you hate then figure out what you are passionate about and start working towards doing that full-time. Do you want to write a book? Well frickin try it! Learn to dance? Try it! Go wine tasting. Try it! Not everything you try will end in success but at least you are going for it. Do not be afraid to dream and dream big. Setting small goals are very valuable tools when trying to make change and to progress. However, don’t be afraid to have an enormous goal every once in a while. One that is so big people think you are nuts for even thinking such a thing. Close your eyes for a second and think of something just like that. Now think about how awesome it would feel to achieve it…. Goosebumps right!
Quick tips for discovering your passion:
- What are you good at?
- What do you know?
- What do people as for your advice about?
- What do you read?
- Where do you play?
When life wants to fight you try these things
Do not live in the future or the past: Quit saying “someday,” “if I just had enough money” or “If I only had more time.” Or any other lame excuse. Don’t live in the future. Live in the right here and now. Make that someday today! One mans trash is another mans treasure. Sell some junk you have to make some extra cash to pursue a dream. Prioritize! Is it really necessary to watch that TV show or do the laundry right now. Go out and karaoke or book a sky-diving trip! Just go for it!
“The last time I tried this I got hurt.” “My other business idea did not pan out.” So what! Give it a whirl again. Just because something did not work in the past does not mean it can not work out now. Keep trying. How many times did the Wright brothers crash before they got that dang plane up…. I don’t know the answer to that either but I am sure it was a few times.
Smile: seriously, try your best. If you are finding it pretty difficult than surround yourself with friends, family, and loved ones. I know sometimes when you are a little down and out the last thing you want to do is be around others. But go ahead and sulk for a little but after that little is up get your butt up and find some excitement. Leave that pain behind for a minute and enjoy the moments of the day.
Don’t worry mon (in a Jamaican accent): It’s hard to move forward if you are constantly worrying about what “might” happen. Stay positive and expect good things to come your way. Every once in a while when something goofy pops up, deal with it, don’t worry about it, and start living again.
Dream BIG and test your limits: Challenge yourself. Set super high goals. Get use to failing every once in a while. It’s ok. But also don’t be afraid to accept a challenge when it comes along. Embrace that some things are going to be difficult. Every so often it will be a tough battle to get thru and may be pretty painful but damn is it going to feel good when you get thru it. Every so often try something you thought you would never do or could never accomplish. Want to do 100 push-ups. Make it a goal and go for it. Want to run a 6 minute mile. Go for it! Always wanted to start your own business, get at it! Chances are you will fail a bunch of times before you get there but learning from those failures will just make you stronger and more appreciative when you achieve your dreams
Talk it out If you are having a tough time with something talk to someone about it. If you are not sure who to talk to I am more than happy to listen. Just contact me
Put up those dukes. You’re ready for a fight!
Justin
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