What are your goals? What bad habits would you like to stop? Are you trying to eat healthier? Spend more time with your family? Enjoy the little things in life? Take control of your circumstances? Sometimes, you need to embrace the progress (big or small) that’s been made, to achieve these goals. Success is defined differently for everyone; it matters what success means to you.
So, what happens when you embrace life’s unwanted gifts? You can use them to your advantage. By reflecting on your current circumstances, you can use your intellect to see what you can embrace and what you can discard.
Don’t Let Negativity Affect Your Vision
Unfortunately, we cannot control what people say to us or how they choose to handle interactions with us. We can control how we handle those words or actions. Harsh comments can be especially difficult for some people to accept. Remember, accepting doesn’t always mean agreeing. You need to learn how to let those words roll off your back. Receiving criticism can be uncomfortable, but think of it as a reflection on what just happened. It doesn’t infinitely define you; rather, it pushes you towards a better you. Remembering where the critique is coming from will allow you to move forward with the positive.
Finding the Success in Your Shortcomings
Not everything you do will be a resounding success, but that doesn’t mean it’s a total bust, either. There’s always a silver lining in each setback. You may have been just there in reaching your goal. Just because you failed to cross the finish line in record time doesn’t mean the race wasn’t worthwhile. You still pushed yourself, and, next time, you’ll beat that goal with ease.
“Failure is not the opposite of success. It is a stepping stone to success. Nobody has succeeded who never failed along the way.” – Ariana Huffington
Overcoming Your Doubts
Life caters to the seekers of the world. If you’re remaining complacent and stuck in a rut, how will you break out to embrace your potential? Most people need to let go of the idea that they can’t achieve more than where they are at right now. To doubt your capacity is to neglect your dreams.
“All inventions, advancements, and improvements in this world started with someone who believed in his capacity to influence others. That belief led him to make the lives of others easier.” – Kaye Ramos
You can be great in any path you choose, but first, you must embrace your best self.
Understanding That Work Must Be Done
Nothing in life is free.
“Newton’s Law of Inertia states that an object at rest will remain at rest unless a force acts on it, and will remain in motion unless a force stops it.” – Kaye Ramos
If you want improvement, a force will need to push you there. What kind of force? Putting in the work, asking the right people for guidance, being humble in knowing the sacrifices that lie ahead, and pushing past the initial time where instant gratification is not seen, admitting that work still needs to be done. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with how generous life can be once you put in your share of work and perseverance.
Dealing with Insecurities
Insecurities can cause talent to become lost, ideas to become forgotten, or a voice to become silenced. What you may not realize is that your difference in this world is your greatest asset. You have something nobody else does. If you’re able to tap into it, you possess a secret ability that belongs only to you.
Defining Your Version of Success
Do not pressure yourself with society’s version of success; rather, define it based on your individual beliefs and goals. Life has more to offer than material successes. Are you successful in the way you wish to be? Breaking free from a societal definition allows you to become free to express yourself. Focus on discovering what fulfills you, what brings you joy and happiness. When you discover the happiness within, you’ll feel more accomplished.
After all of this self-reflection, whatever stage you find yourself at, will you improve upon that? You can see the bright future waiting for you, the progress that can be made to get there. When you allow yourself to be open to change, you begin to see the plethora of opportunities available to you. It doesn’t matter how long the journey may be taking, it just matters that you’re moving forward. When all is said and done, the reward is the experiences, the rebounds, the successes, and the improvements.