There’s not just “one” right way of doing things

If you find yourself stressing over making a decision, realize three things…

1) There are almost always multiple “right” ways of doing things. One way may provide the best results, but many factors help make an outcome better/worse. Don’t waste time or energy stressing yourself out deciding between two (or more) good choices.

2) We can never 100% know which action will lead to the best possible outcome. All you can do is try your best and make what appears to be the smartest decision with the information you currently have. Hindsight is 20/20. So if you find out that the decision you opted against might not have been the best, that’s ok. Just keep that in mind for future experiences.

3) Chances are, this choice will not change the outcome of your life. Yes, little decisions stack on top of each other and can lead to a snowball effect (good or bad), but if you mess up this one time, you likely won’t even remember it in a year (let alone next month or maybe even next week).

You get to do this…

You don’t “have to” do anything…you “get to” do those things. Some people would love to be in your position where you feel like you “have” to do something. Your “curse” might be another person’s blessing.

When you have to go to work to pay the bills…

At least you have a job, which is more than the unemployed can say…

At least you’re able to work…

At least you’re able to provide value and be compensated for it…

At least you have the physical and mental capacity to be able to complete the task in front of you.

At least you can feel like you’ve accomplished something…

It’s ok to not always be happy. But if you’re unhappy for too many days in a row, you need to make an adjustment. Is it your attitude that you need to change or your circumstances? Either might be the correct answer (or both), but instead of just being angry or sad, make a change to feel better. And don’t forget that no matter what you’re going through, other people somewhere have it worse than you.

How to deal with our own problems

There are legitimate hurdles and hardships we have to overcome on a daily, weekly, and yearly basis. But most of the hurdles we face in life are not unique to ourselves.

That problem with getting good grades? Or the person who has been bullying you? Something happened to you at work? Or your home life isn’t quite what you want it to be?

You are unique, but the problems you’re facing have been encountered (and overcome) by others.

The issue is when we pity ourselves. Then, it’s not just the obstacle we’re facing anymore. We’ve also added a self-imposed obstacle – our mindset. If we think we can’t do something, that we’re the victim in a situation, or that to overcome the original obstacle will be difficult, it will be!

Instead of focusing on the problem, focus on solutions! Instead of focusing on the negative, focus on the positive. Have faith that you will prevail, try to find answers, and start taking action. Don’t feel bad for yourself and realize that plenty of other people have been in a similar situation as you and they’ve been able to survive/thrive. You can too!

Why is it that you’re really upset?

If you get upset with somebody’s words, pause and reflect as to why those words are affecting you this way. Is it because there is a hint of truth to them? Or is it because there is no truth at all to them and you feel that it is disrespectful or slanderous towards you?

There can be a fine line between disrespect and tough love. Is that person telling you something you need to be told, even though it’s not how you want to be told? Sometimes, that’s the only way to get through to you… That’s the only way you’ll actually listen. If somebody is too nice or makes it a little too easy and comfortable for you to hear, it never sinks in. It’s a lot easier to brush off. But if somebody tells you a hard truth and you don’t like it, or if they do it in a way that you don’t like, it’s going to get your attention. Sometimes, that’s what is needed. Don’t get mad and stew on it. Try to understand why they said it. If it’s true, do something about it. If you feel it’s inaccurate, talk with the other person and see where they’re coming from.

Are you really living?

Everyone dies, but not everyone lives.

Are you living your life to the fullest? Are there things that you wish to do “one day”?

Why not make that day today? Don’t wait until you are old to truly and fully experience life. Maybe you won’t be able to enjoy it because of your health. Or maybe you’ll find out that you love it, and you wish you would’ve had more time to be able to enjoy doing that activity.

Don’t let fear hold you back. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and encourage you, read uplifting things, watch inspiring videos, and then go do it! Actually experience it for yourself by doing it, not just reading, watching, or hearing about it.