Throughout your life, you’re likely going to encounter some difficult situations. I myself have been going through hell and back, which has led me to a few realizations about health, love, relationships, and what it means to be successful when times get tough. These experiences have shaped my guide to surviving in the real world. We’re all dealt a different hand of cards, so this is all about being the best that you can be based on what life has dealt you.
Acceptance
The first thing is to realize that not everyone has equal circumstances and that life just isn’t fair. That has both pros and cons as we’ll see in a moment. The fact that life isn’t fair is amazing because it means that you can succeed beyond your wildest dreams. You can surpass everyone else, and do things that have never been done before… all because life isn’t fair. Instead, it rewards those who strive for a better life, regardless of their starting point.
The downside of life not being fair is that some people will encounter situations that are much more challenging than others. You might be shorter or slower than your peers. Maybe you just stutter a lot when you talk. Maybe you’re sick. Whatever the case is, it’s likely that it isn’t fair. Sometimes there isn’t even balance and you just plain old have a bad set of circumstances.
Fortunately…
You can do something about it.
Your current situation
No, I’m not saying that you can change any situation (although you almost can) and because you were born in a certain way that you’re going to be able to accomplish anything. However, what I am saying, is it always an option to make the best of every situation and to be the best that you can be.
This means accepting your situation and then working with it, not using it as an excuse but instead, using it as fuel to overcome objections and stereotypes. If you’re reading this blog, you might have been born with a personality that is unusually shy (I’ll leave the behavioral debate of if it’s learned behavior or native for another time). However, if you are abnormally shy, then it just means that it will be more difficult for you to have normal small conversions with strangers. You’ll start behind the pack, and maybe after a year of working at it, you might only be on-par with a guy that is normally shy.
In other words, it might take you an entire year of practice, work and dedication to match someone that has put zero hours of work. And that’s OK. You’re being the best that you can be, and it’s only when you compare yourself to others that you risk feeling bad. What I’m saying though, is that your criteria for success should be based on your own progress and accomplishments, and not your current status compared to others.
My new hobby and challenge: drones
As I mentioned, I have been sick for a while so I picked up a new hobby: quadcopters. I fly some some of the best drones in the world and I am horrible at it. I love it, and I strive to be the best but there’s something about my coordination that just doesn’t work. I’ve had more crashes than successful flights and replaced more parts than I can count.
Does it matter? Well, if I compare myself to other pilots out there, then I’ll feel bad. However, because I’m striving to be the best that I can be and I know I’ve made improvements over the past few months, I am confident I’ll be average with another year of hard work.
Same goes with the health. I’ve had very unfortunate circumstances that others don’t have to live through in their life… however, with a lot of work, I am confident I’ll be able to eat normal food again shortly. (Something that most people take for granted!)
In the end, push yourself to break your own boundaries. Get out of your comfort zone and remember, it’s not about where you are, but instead, it’s where you’re headed that’s important. Head towards greatness, no matter where you start. These are the kind of things I would have wanted to tell my 20-year-old self, and I hope they resonate with you too.
