If You Can't Get Out Of It, Get Into It!

Life is FULL of things that we wish we didn't have to deal with. 

The question is: If this (painful) action is truly inevitable, then what can you do to minimize your suffering?

According to the most successful/happiest people, once you have exhausted any creative attempts to resolve the situation, the most logical next step is to simply accept that the uncomfortable experience will be happening.  Once you overcome any denial, there are actually TWO options that put you more in control of the negative situation, and can help make the most of it:

The first is: Initiate the action as soon as possible to get through it quickly.  This approach allows you to get the pain over faster.  Why put off dealing with it?  No sane person enjoys pain, and putting it off only adds more suffering.  The dread of anticipation actually magnifies the pain and prolongs it.  The wiser approach is to "rip off the bandaid" rather than drag it out.  The sooner you start, the sooner you finish.  Plus, you avoid all the painful "angst time" as a bonus!

The second is: Find/create enjoyment in the midst of it.  As bizarre as it sounds, this is actually pragmatic.  Minimizing the damage from a negative experience is a self-preservation effort.  Focusing your attention to any beneficial aspects of the situation - whether it is bittersweet "good for you" value or actual enjoyment of some kind - is better than the alternative.  Once you have learned your lesson, any additional suffering is a waste of time and unnecessary pain.  Again, pragmatic and logical.

The good news is that you can use BOTH tactics in every situation.  But it requires the courage and discipline to boldly take that first step.  Take control.  Be accountable.  Face life head-on - and you will have a better life as a result.

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Being A Sore...Winner?

No one wants to be a "sore loser" - a term we've all heard since childhood.  It describes a person who is hurt because they lost.

I'm in the midst of a big move - daily lugging heavy boxes (thousands of books!) and other assorted heavy items - and I've been sore every day for the past 3 weeks.  As the muscles throughout my body scream in revolt, something occurred to me:

Have you ever thought of anyone being a "sore winner"? 

Winners achieve as a result of hard work.  Hard work stretches your abilities.  This is why winners who are consistently successful are constantly striving to grow and improve - keeping them on top.

The natural consequence of pushing your capabilities is pain.  It is a pain that most people are not willing to endure.  When you talk with successful people, they will admit that the sacrifices made to achieve their goals hurt, but it was worth it. 

Every winner is sore, you just won't hear them whining about it.  Even when they (temporarily) lose, they understand that it is part of the progression (investment) towards ultimately winning. An investment that requires commitment, courage, and tenacity.  It is these three things that allow a winner to face the inevitable discomfort and gut through what it takes to realize their goals.

So, in the midst of all the challenges you are facing today - are you willing to be a sore...winner?

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

The Next Opportunity = THE Opportunity?

Question: How many times in Life do you get the chance to start over and create the life of your dreams?

Answer: Every time you wake up.

So, did you wake up today?  Good!  Then you have an opportunity to make some changes that get you closer to experiencing your dreams, hopes, desires, and purpose. 

The next question is: Will you?

Looking back on EVERY good experience in your life, you may notice something - that each time, it was a result of initiating action.  You'll also likely notice that most (if not all) breakthroughs came as a result of trying something more than once.

You never know when the next opportunity will result in being THE opportunity that realizes your desired goal!

So, consider this a reminder and an encouragement:

1. Get clear on what you really want out of Life.  Focus (and REfocus!) every day.
2. Be open to exploring and discovering how to achieve it.  Every day.
3. Have the courage to take that first step.  Every day.
4. Keep going.  Every day.  Until you are successful.

Yes, it IS just that simple (though not always easy.)

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!