“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”
— Friedrich Nietzsche
“I finally learned a big lesson. I now know I can be beaten and broken. I’m not as tough and crafty as I thought. I see clearly now what was blind to me just yesterday morning. At this point, it’s the only good thing that came out of all of this. But in a way, it’s all I need. I know myself better today than I did yesterday, and know what I have to do.”
Those insightful lines come right out of a live chat conversation I had this morning with Cara, one of our newest course members (she gave me permission to share this with you). As you can tell, Cara had a tumultuous recent past, and she’s just beginning to strengthen her mindset and rise above what happened.
If you’re in a similar situation, or you simply feel like life has been tougher than usual lately, here are some mantras (that I personally use) to help you get your thinking back on track, so you can feel better about today and what must be done…
- No matter what, you can always fight the battles of just today. It’s only when you add the infinite battles of yesterday and tomorrow that life gets overly complicated.
- Never assume that you are stuck with the way things are right now. Life changes every single second, and so can you.
- Life always begins now – right now – not tomorrow or the next day or the next. It means you can have the new beginning you want whenever you want. (Read The Power of Now.)
- The best people all have some kind of scar. Don’t be ashamed of yours.
- A positive present changes a troubled past. Looking back, you do not find what you left behind.
- You are not a victim. You may have been challenged, hurt, betrayed, beaten, and discouraged, but nothing has defeated you. You have been delayed but not denied. The person or situation that hurt you is weaker than you, because you’re still here. So don’t let this experience weaken you – let it build you.
- Even when it’s tough, wear a smile. Smiling doesn’t always mean you’re happy – sometimes it simply means you’re strong. And you are.
- When we stop feeling sorry for ourselves, we start feeling stronger.
- It has been said that the highest form of prayer is giving thanks. Instead of praying for different circumstances, give thanks for what you have. (You’ll see why.)
- Talking about our problems is our greatest addiction. Break this negative habit today. Talk about your joys, your loves, and your dreams instead. (Angel and I discuss this in detail in the “Happiness” chapter of 1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently.)
- The more you live, the more you learn. The more you learn, the more you realize how little you know. Feeling incomplete is completely normal and healthy.
- Think of all the hundreds of thousands of steps and missteps and chances and coincidences that have brought you here. In a way it feels like the biggest miracle in the world, doesn’t it? Keep this in mind, and meditate on the fact that you are a work in progress, and every great success requires some kind of struggle to get there.
- Sometimes, to be successful tomorrow you must be wrong today. So don’t let the fear of making the wrong decision prevent you from making any decision at all right now. At the end of your fear is the person who you want to be, one way or the other.
- What’s most important in this moment is positive focus. Make the moment important and vital by doing something meaningful. It’s that simple. In the end, that’s all success really is.
- Details aside, whatever is going to happen will happen, whether you worry or not. So just do the best you can right now, and find peace in knowing that you are. No further judgments are needed. Sometimes you’ve got to go through the worst of times to get the best. And sometimes the best of times come sooner than expected. 🙂
Closing Thoughts
Today…
Worry less, and smile more.
Complain less, and appreciate more.
Expect less, and prepare more.
Judge less, and respect more.
Take less, and give more.
And you’ll begin to feel better, guaranteed.
The floor is yours…
Which point above resonated with you the most? What else do you try to keep in mind to strengthen your mindset? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts and insights.
Photo by: Mysterious Lens
Kennedy says
I so look forward to your weekly emails and blog posts.
I really needed this post today as I’m going through some major life and health transitions! THANK YOU. Your words are on point and helping me push through this!
Also, another mantra I tell myself is this: “You are not alone.”
Karlene.O says
The one that resonates most with me is “complain less and appreciate more.” Thanks for the reminder.
Marc Chernoff says
Very true. You are not alone, Kennedy. None of us are.
Devon says
Every point resonates! They go along with my philosophy to keep positive and true thoughts at the top of my mind, at all times.
Honestly, I had been truly neglecting myself for the longest time, but I’m making progress now. Thank you for this. At least a couple times a week I am sure to read one of your articles or a few pages of your 1,000 Little Things book. Doing so gives me the extra strength to move forward when times are tough. Day by day I am gaining more courage to forgive and forget what happens, and overcome my resistance to making the most of the present. Your words are always like arrows of positivity piercing me deep within, and through them I’ve discovered many of the solutions I’ve been searching for.
Marc Chernoff says
Thank you for continuing to support our work, Devon. 🙂
Nicole says
A wonderful list. I like them all… but the second and third one in combination really hit home with me right now. Your blog emails have been helping me with a new beginning I was forced into after a brutal separation from my husband of 17 years. Thank you.
Nelu Mbingu says
Thanks you for sharing these!
Sometimes I struggle to let go of the things that happened in my past. It feels like my past failures weakened me so that I cannot succeed in the future. I have to remind myself that the future is a clean new slate and it may bring along fresh new successes. I am strong enough to overcome my past.
Great article, Marc!
Cheers,
Nelu
Wghcb says
Indeed !!! 🙂 Very well said !!!
Marc Chernoff says
Yes, well said, Nelu!
Lennae says
I love this! This is exactly what I needed to hear today, thank you for sharing.
Lennae xx
lennaesworld.com
Dan Erickson says
I was a child victim of an extreme religious cult. It set me back a few years, but I’ve since used that experience for good. I learned a strong work ethic. I learned self-discipline. I’ve since used those qualities to go back to college and get a masters degree. I’ve written 100s of songs. I’ve published several books, including “The Cult Trilogy.” The first of three books relives my childhood in a creative format. And I blog about simple living and creativity. The 15 items on your list are all true and good.
Marc Chernoff says
I’m inspired to hear you’ve made it through those troubled times, and now you’re using the lessons learned in the most positive way possible.
Keep going, Dan. 🙂
ziana says
Thank you for sharing these beautiful mantras. I’m pretty new to this site, and already your articles changed my view of life. Every time I read one of your articles, I learn new things about myself.
Nathalie | WantForWellness.com says
I have been doing my 7-day challenge last week based on “the happiness advantage”, where meditation was also a big part. I found I had some real trouble with it. Since i’m pretty new to the concept of meditation I decided to read up on in a little, and thought mantra meditation might be something that could work for me. Of course I still have to pick a mantra, so this list was inspiring to read!
Linda says
I’ve bookmarked this list as I’m going to need it – my OH has just been diagnosed with cancer.
We’re both very ‘glass half full’ about it and these mantras will be invaluable. Thanks for all your invaluable work.
Jack DeWeese says
Wonderful life advice! Every point on this list is point in. Thank you for sharing this!
Tim Burns says
Thanks for the great post. I’m headed to the gym this morning and will listen to a few of the “1000 little things that successful happy people do differently” your great audiobook to help reach a good focus and mindset for a challenging week.
Kylie says
I feel like someone just opened a window and a fresh breeze blew in! Thanks I needed this! Was bogged down cursing on someone for delaying my project by 2 weeks. This person has no idea how their late info has impacted all the way down to the other parties in the project. I tried to answer each small thing that was wrong and it was just exhausting. Finally just now, I stood back assessed the situation, and have just told him – we’re on the same side, let’s help each other. I can commit to these dates for these tasks, but the rest are too difficult to meet at this stage. Let’s try those and see where we get to.
Marc Chernoff says
Sounds like you’ve acted mindfully, Kylie. Well done!
Mina says
Thank you very much for those words of encouragement. Words have so much power. Very well said and gives me a positive mindset which is great! Thanks again
Chris says
You have very means thoughts. As I read your stuff it really gives perspective of life. Keep up the good posting.
Jasmine says
Every mantra that you have written here touches me in a way that I have been struggling with my past for many years. They serve as a reminder for me to keep on moving forward no matter what. I feel much better reading this.
Thank you very much for these reminders! 🙂
Deb Bell says
Several resonated with me, but the one which made the deepest impression is number 6, which shifts the perspective of getting or having been hurt. That person(s) or situation hurting you is weaker than you. That’s why they did/do the things they do/did. People who hurt others are not clothed in strength. That’s when it becomes easier to smile.
Thanks for sharing and giving us the floor.
Marc Chernoff says
Well said, Deb.
Stan says
I have been practicing #9 for quite a while now. Each night before bed I take time to recap what I am grateful for that happened that day. It doesn’t matter if it is a big thing or a small one. This really lifts my spirits, and keeps me looking forward to a new day with more things to be grateful for.
Totally off topic. I have often wondered where you get the great pictures that lead your posts. Sometimes the beauty of these pictures alone make me feel really great!
Denise Lewis says
# 10 talking less about your problems and more about your joys, love!
M says
These are beautiful and encouraging words/sayings. Please also review the original and more precise definition (added a link but always good to research on your own also) of mantra, a Sanskrit wordhttps://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantra
Sunaina says
Namaste!
How do you guys do this!? I feel some karmic connection here 🙂
Exactly when I am in need of a lil mental nudge…your post is there with wonderful inspirational substance, that it helps me steer ahead of the stress and negative emotions, that would have otherwise made everything more cloudy… #2,#5,#6,#8,#10,#13,#14,#15… absolutely cleared the clouds and its all sunny for me again! 😀
Love and peace
Dr.Sunaina
Dave M says
Let it go and move onward
Joseph Rea says
I felt #3 resonate with me most strongly. One of the things that I’ve realized is that there is no perfect time to pursue your dreams. You will never feel 100% ready. The time to act is NOW. Through taking action, trying, failing, getting back up and trying again, we learn the true path to success.
I read The Power of Now last year and it changed my life. Learning to be the observer of my mind helped me detach from negative patterns of thinking and feeling. It helped me learn to appreciate every moment as the HERE and NOW. What a beautiful thing.
Tracy says
I don’t think I could ever live without these treats in my inbox. Every post helps my mindset in so many positive ways, THANK YOU! THANK YOU! For being there and doing what you do! Cheers!
Nelly says
Thanks a lot for these words of wisdom. I can see the positive effects on my self. Keep up the wonderful work.
Pamela says
Forgiveness is very powerful for both people
Oti Obilor says
Awesome! I quickly need to say that you guys are a blessing to humankind. I always address myself as an incurable optimist, the mantras you’ve shared have encouraged me the more to remain an optimist no matter what. One mantra I will add is that things can only get better.
Jana says
Bless you Marc and Angel! I so look forward to your emails and posts, and can’t wait to get your book. Today from all that beauty what resonates is not worrying about making a wrong decision today. Why do I think every little decision is so important?
Vicki says
This blog today was especially meaningful to me. My husband passed away December 2015 and while I feel I have done quite well in how I am managing my grief, I have not stopped to be thankful the wonderful 46 years we had together. I haven’t stopped to be grateful for our wonderful children or the amazing grandchildren that are the result of our love. There have been some challenges that have arisen, many decisions to come, but having those few moments to thank God for the wonderful family that I have has made me know that I can do this! Thank you for the work you do. I do so enjoy reading your emails. I have saved every one of them!
G Angela says
Thanks appreciate your generosity and kindness by sharing these mantras with me.
Farah says
The thing you said about — “Make the moment important and vital by doing something meaningful” is really thoughtful and encouraging. I just want to thank you Marc with all my heart. Stay well and keep posting, really look forward to your posts. 🙂
Regards,
Farah
Kwanele says
After having recently lost my job, I couldn’t help but fall into a space of intense worry with all the bills that are knocking on my door and with nothing to fall back on, right now I only have my faith and God to pull me through. Thinking about my future concerns only makes my current state of mind sink deeper in anxiety hence taking it a day at a time will be a much feasible thing to do. Thank you for sharing this article.
chizoba says
No matter what you can always fight the battles of just today. Great piece. Thanks a million.
Sarupa Shahs says
Powerful mantras! Great job. Can really feel the warmth in what you do. My stance always is nothing was wrong – how can it be, it is always purposeful and trying to differentiate it as right or wrong for most can fall into the griminess of judgement rather than evaluation!
DJ says
Just nursing a bruised ego after another set back today in working towards a personal goal. Hard not to feel down on myself and not to castastrophise or generalise to other areas of myself. However ” expect less, prepare more” seems to be the mantra most appropriate to my situation. No excuses. It is up to me. Time to pick myself up and get back in the game!
charles Jackson says
Your writings always brings some freshness into my life. I have been wiser and stronger about life just by reading your posts. Thanks for sharing.
Sharon Koenig says
First a thanks to Cara who allowed you to post that comment. It’s so helpful to get those types of inner thoughts out to give us strength as we go through our ups and downs in the day. The mantras are powerful. Personally, I believe it’s the consistency that helps build that inner strength.
CJ says
Our brains really are simply computers and these statements are the code that help us to rewrite the programs that lead to our success. Thanks for putting these together.
Larry says
Good days and bad. Good days and bad. That’s better than before when all I had were band days. Again, the words on your site bring strength. They bring clarity. They bring peace. Well……some peace. I expect to be at (full) peace at some point, but for now I’ll take partial. It’s better than what I had just a few short months ago.
Thank you for your words. They are helping me find the place I need to be.
Via says
I’ve juat subscribed today and I can say that I feel a lot better now reading only three articles you’ve shared. I’m excited to see more. ?
Yolande says
#6. You are not a victim. You may have been challenged, hurt, betrayed, beaten, and discouraged, but nothing has defeated you. You have been delayed but not denied. The person or situation that hurt you is weaker than you, because you’re still here. So don’t let this experience weaken you – let it build you.
This statement resonated with me, because it’s true, I’ve been “delayed, not denied.” I can recover from any setback, no matter how devastating it might be at the time. All I need to remember is keep breathing.
Mike says
“Sometimes, to be successful tomorrow you must be wrong today. So don’t let the fear of making the wrong decision prevent you from making any decision at all right now.”
This is my favorite. When I was a bit younger, I had a tendency to get paralyzed over big decisions and ended up missing some very attractive opportunities to improve myself in different ways. I thought that I wasn’t ready for things, and thought I didn’t deserve what was being given to me. These thoughts, coupled with the fear of not being good enough prevented me from making decisions completely. To this day I regret not making them, but I’ve also learned to remember this (at least a different version of these words) every time I am faced with the task of deciding on something big.
Inspiring post, thank you for sharing. I sure will be sharing this to others too. 🙂
ujay says
So inspiring… I can’t really explain how I feel about this post but I must say, its a very nice one. Thank you for lifting our spirit. May God continue to use you to deposit positive impact into people’s live.