Bare your scars like badges

In the long run, if we look at it right, we can see that the trials and painful times we endured shaped us in a way that we can use as quite positive.  Whether it made us stronger, more empathetic or kinder, or smarter, we can use adversity to launch into a better place in a more meaningful way.

We had to be there to be here, or to get where we are going.

Embrace it.

Can't hurt me

Last year I listened to David Goggins book “Can’t hurt me”.  If you don’t mind a barrage of f-bombs, I think you’ll be inspired. 

We shouldn’t go looking for trouble.  But this is life, and it doesn’t always go how we want it.  Sometimes it goes really bad.  But what happens is only as bad as our interpretation.  Most of the pain we feel is mental – and in this, we have a choice.

Does it take intentional work?  Yes.

Can’t hurt me.

Desire

We have talked about desire many times before.  Let’s look at this quote from Goethe. 

“Desire is the presentiment of our inner abilities, and the forerunner of our ultimate accomplishments.”

He says that desire is the presentiment of our inner abilites.  What that means is that if we desire something, it is possible for us, even if we can’t do it now.  The ability is in us, and the desire will cause us to do what is necessary to bring it out.

He then says that desire is the “forerunner of our ultimate accomplishments”.  Accomplishment begins with desire.  

So if you have a desire, do you think you should follow it?

The fear and intimidation of ignorance

Not knowing something (while others do) can be frustrating and intimidating.  

I think people apply the discomfort of not knowing to the learning of it.  They become afraid of learning it because they were afraid of being exposed as not knowing it.  They think it will be frustrating to learn because it was frustrating not knowing it (having that skill).  

Don’t confuse the two.  Sometimes learning it is easier than not knowing it – and easier than you think.

You can learn it – if you decide to.

The world wants a reply….

You are getting bombed with emails, texts and calls.  

If you are like me, you feel like you need to respond and not be that guy who doesn’t – because somehow that is irresponsible.

Well, the world has changed.  It’s a numbers game for the world.  Spray messages across the public and a small percentage will respond.

The world wants a reply – but they don’t need one from you.

Simplify and ignore them so you may do your important work/experiences instead.

Visualize finishing

When I raced the Baja 1000, once I was past 600 miles of the 807-mile race, my mind turned toward finishing.  It was like a magnet pulling me as I visualized making the last turn and riding up on the finishing podium.

The world is full of people with unfinished projects.  What project are you working on now?

Visualize completing/winning/finishing.

"Victim of Circumstance"

“I am not a victim of circumstance, I am a creator of them.” – Jerry Sirios, Ottawa Ontario

How can you turn your situation into one that favors your progress?

“The people that make things happen in life don’t wait for favorable circumstances – they go out and make them.” – Earl Nightengale 

Look forward

“There is a reason the windshield is so big and the rearview mirror is so small.” – Chris Hunter

Look back to learn something, but keep most of your orientation forward.

What does the best YOU look like?

What do you think you are capable of?  Imagine it.  

Your imagination is a preview of life’s coming attractions.  

You have zero chance to be something you can’t even envision.

Imagine.  Believe.  Take action.  Become.

Protecting your ego – holding onto the past

How much time do you spend protecting your past decisions?  Trying to show your past ideas were the right ones?  Resisting that which you do not know much about?  Trying not to put yourself in places or around people who know more than you or make you look ignorant or like an amateur?

You can make much more progress if you stop protecting your ego and embrace whatever you must to make big moves toward being the kind of person who attracts what you say you want.

The choice is – be the new you, or be the old you forever.