Here’s 14 powerful reminders to help you find your footing back when life throws you a curveball and things go different than expected.
1. Some people will not like you and what you do.
And that’s fine. Their opinion is just that – their opinion. And not the absolute truth about you.
2. You’ll fail.
And that’s fine too. It doesn’t mean you haven’t got what it takes. It just means it didn’t work out as expected. Know that you’ll thrive tomorrow thanks to the mistakes you’re willing to make today.
3. Success is the action you took, not the result.
Value the effort and dedication you put in – especially when the results are less than what you hoped for. You did show up. You actually took action, and that deserves a pat on the back. Don’t use any less than results to beat yourself up with. Those results as just feedback to inform your next step – no more, no less.
4. A should is just a could in disguise.
Don’t should yourself into doing something. It’s not because it worked for them that it is right for you. It’s not because you always did something that you need to keep doing it. It’s not because they expect you to do something that you should comply. Every should holds a choice – even though the should might present itself as a unshakable truth or a must comply with instruction for how to live your life. Replace the should with a could – literally – and see how all of a sudden abundant possibility opens up.
5. A halfhearted yes makes everyone lose out – you included.
You, them, the work you are doing – we all lose when you don’t engage 100%. When you say yes to something, give it your all. And if it’s not a 100% yes, then make it a no. You’ll be astounded by how much time you’ll free up to spend with people that truly nurture you. You’ll be amazed by how much time you’ll free up to do things that truly light you up.
6. A tiny change does make a big difference.
Do just a bit more of what makes your heart sing and soul soar each day. And just a little less of what drains you. You’ll be astounded by what a huge difference those small changes make.
7. Slow and steady is good – even when everyone else seems to be moving fast.
Slow and steady can move mountains. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you should take big steps and turn your life upside down overnight because someone else did. Choose a pace that works for you and keep moving one tiny step at a time.
8. Other people’s success is not a prescription for how to live your life, nor a measure of your worthiness.
Be inspired by other people who are living their dreams and know that their success doesn’t mean that you are a failure for not being where they are in life. Use their approach to life as an inspiration to fuel your dreams. See them as an example of what’s possible, but stick to your own voice, your style, your personality, your pace. Don’t copy them and how they do what they do – you’ll never be able to be as good as the original, nor should you.
9. All is not as it seems.
Your outside doesn’t always reflect how you feel inside. Neither does their outside always reflect how they feel inside. So don’t be fooled by appearances. Don’t sabotage yourself by thinking that they always got all the answers, oozing confidence 24/7. They search for answers too. They feel small, worried and insecure too. That’s how we all do it.
10. Rest is not a luxury. Rest is a necessity.
So rest. Vigorously. Rest is fuel for the soul. It’s not a waste of time, but a life-saver. Don’t save on it.
11. Laughter truly lights up a bad day.
Yes, that sounds cheesy. But yes, it is the truth – genuine laughter and a dose of playfulness do light up a tense conversation, a gloomy mood, a rainy day. So laugh. Be goofy. Be playful. A lot. And then some.
12. You are your soulmate.
Shower yourself with love. Just because. Unapologetically. Unconditionally. And even when the going gets tough. Love yourself when you’re happy and love yourself when you’re not. Because there’s not a moment when you don’t deserve your love.
13. You are a one-of-a-kind original.
Honor what makes you you – instead of hiding it. Your ideas, your voice, your style, your way of doing things, your work, your dreams – they’re as worthy as anybody else’s. They’re what make you irresistible to the people who truly get you. They’re what make you irresistible to yourself – fulfilled, joyful and free.
14. Following your fascination brings you closer to who you truly are.
It might seem crazy, weird, stupid and out-of-character, but explore your fascination nonetheless. Your fascination is a pointer to something you are longing for, something that you might need to bring into your life. It’s your soul talking to you. Make sure you listen. What do you remind yourself of when having a bad day? What do you tell yourself to find your footing back? Featured photo credit: myxabyxe via flickr via flickr.com
