If you want to fly and move on to better things, you have to give up the things that weigh you down – which is not always as obvious and easy as it sounds.
Starting today, give up…
- Letting the opinions of others control your life. – People know your name, not your story. They’ve heard what you’ve done, but not what you’ve been through. So take their opinions of you with a grain of salt. In the end, it’s not what others think, it’s what you think about yourself that counts. Sometimes you have to do exactly what’s best for you and your life, not what’s best for everyone else.
- The shame of past failures. – You will fail sometimes, and that’s okay. The faster you accept this, the faster you can get on with being brilliant. Your past does not equal your future. Just because you failed yesterday; or all day today; or a moment ago; or for the last six months; or for the last sixteen years, doesn’t have any impact on the current moment. All that matters is what you do right now. Read Awaken the Giant Within
.
- Being indecisive about what you want. – You will never leave where you are until you decide where you would rather be. It’s all about finding and pursuing your passion. Neglecting passion blocks creative flow. When you’re passionate, you’re energized. Likewise, when you lack passion, your energy is low and unproductive. Energy is everything when it comes to being successful. Make a decision to figure out what you want, and then pursue it passionately.
- Procrastinating on the goals that matter to you. – There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them. Follow your intuition. Don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. When there is love and inspiration, you can’t go wrong. And whatever it is you want to do, do it now. There are only so many tomorrows. Trust me, in a year from now, you will wish you had started today.
- Choosing to do nothing. – You don’t get to choose how you are going to die, or when. You can only decide how you are going to live, right now. Every day is a new chance to choose. Choose to change your perspective. Choose to flip the switch in your mind from negative to positive. Choose to turn on the light and stop fretting about with insecurity and doubt. Choose to do work that you are proud of. Choose to see the best in others, and to show your best to others. Choose to truly LIVE, right now.
- Your need to be right. – If you keep on saying you’re right, even if you are right now, eventually you will be wrong. Aim for success, but never give up your right to be wrong. Because when you do, you will also lose your ability to learn new things and move forward with your life. Read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
.
- Running from problems that should be fixed. – We make life harder than it has to be. The difficulties started when… conversations became texting, feelings became subliminal, sex became a game, the word ‘love’ fell out of context, trust faded as honesty waned, insecurities became a way of living, jealously became a habit, being hurt started to feel natural, and running away from it all became our solution. Stop running! Face these issues, fix the problems, communicate, appreciate, forgive and LOVE the people in your life who deserve it.
- Making excuses rather than decisions. – Life is a continuous exercise in creative problem solving. A mistake doesn’t become a failure until you refuse to correct it. Thus, most long-term failures are the outcome of people who make excuses instead of decisions.
- Overlooking the positive points in your life. – What you see often depends entirely on what you’re looking for. Do your best and surrender the rest. When you stay stuck in regret of the life you think you should have had, you end up missing the beauty of what you do have. You will have a hard time ever being happy if you aren’t thankful for the good things in your life right now. Read The Happiness Project
.
- Not appreciating the present moment. – We do not remember days, we remember moments. Too often we try to accomplish something big without realizing that the greatest part of life is made up of the little things. Live authentically and cherish each precious moment of your journey. Because when you finally arrive at your desired destination, I guarantee you, another journey will begin.
Photo by: Luz Adriana
Sushi says
This post is just what I needed to get back on track today! Thank you so much, Marc!
Karel says
Nothing but the truth in this post. Seriously, it’s awesome.
Priscilla says
#7 is so freakin’ awesome! Love love love it!!
Thank you for putting this advice out there.
Barrett Rossie says
Must agree with Sushi, Karel and Priscilla. This is a great way to kick off a new week. I’ll be very tired in the morning, but I’ll re-read this, and appreciate the moment even more. 🙂
Priyanka paryani says
Dear marc and angel you people are amazing writers…
Hats off to your wonderful efforts…
Love and regards..
Priyanka 🙂
jadenoid says
Hats off to you guys ..
Chu Nam says
Thank you so much.
his post reminds me of some decisions I need to make in my life, and some actions I need to take.
Deb says
This is perfect for me today!! – I have spent two days stressing about which direction to move in for my new business and this was spot on!
Thank you so much – I get something from each and everyone of your posts – always!
segun says
This came at the time when I really arrive at a crossroad. Thanks for giving me the courage to choose which direction to turn.
Karen says
Definitely needed to hear these today.
Scott says
Just what I needed to hear right when I needed to hear it. Thank you!
Cyanide says
I’m going to print these out and carry them with me. I need to remember all of these in my life. Thank you for this and everything else that you guys do.
Robyn says
Thanks for such a great post. All apply.
Satyam says
This is great!! Especially the post #7, until I read this post this made me think that, I’m running through somewhat same situation… Thanks a lot!!
I’m happy that I’ve subscribe to this blog.. It’s life changing, and very inspiring..
Susanna @Happyologist says
Great list and so true!
Pursue your passion and go after your dreams with full energy – these are the keys in living a happy, fulfilling life! 🙂
Susan says
It is a very wonderful essay to read especially in these days. Sometimes you need to have something to push you pursuing through life, with strong faith that you can change.
Thank you so much,,,
Denise says
This is EXACTLY what I needed to read today. Thank you so much!
Jerry Hislip says
Marc and Angel, This Post Is One Of Your Best,But #7 Really Is So True, So True Thank You So Much For SHARING.
Kanati says
As and addict lover of your write-ups I always read in between the lines ‘cos there’s something that always inspires me- No 6 brings back some memory of my messy breakup wt my ex.
BW Marc n Angel, other articles you’ve written have been my strength for the past 1 yr plus since I first stumbled on this blog, thank u!
Jaclyn says
This post could not be more appropriate for my life today. This is definitely one I will share in my blog and will keep to reread. Thank you for posting such great material!
Carmelo says
Boy, #6 is so huge. We often don’t have any clue how many times we operate from the mindset of “needing to be right.”
I remember Wayne Dyer telling a story of a parking lot gate operator running out in front of moving cars that were by-passing the toll gate. The guy was so invested in “being right” that he risked his life to prove his point.
It’s so very limited in our growth and adventure to be so stuck in our single belief – defending our position.
Diana says
Thanks for another wonderful post. Marc and Angel, you two are such positive forces in our world. You are both wise beyond your years. I have recommended your site to everyone I know and I hope you never go away. Thanks, again!
Chrystal says
Number 5 is the main one for me to conquer!!
ALEXANDER EMEKA says
Just what I needed to read as a motivational speaker and author. I love this site, it is so rich..
Aerick says
I absolutely enjoy all the the great content that you guys put out! Without fail each & every day I’m hoping that I receive a new email from your Marc & Angel site. It’s always such a great blog to read before my feet hit the floor and I get my day started.
Much Appreciation…
Kimbundance says
Love this! great points here.
monica says
Thank you for posting these uplifting words, it helps me and i apply it in my life. The past is gone, its buried, the future we don’t know yet. The present moment is all we can count on, why not focus on being happy and saying uplifting words to others. I remember someone told me monica you are number one. focus on you, and take negative comments as a grain of salt.
Rae says
Thank you, this could not have happened at a better time. I’m about to implement huge changes in my life and have already implemented some of your advise, thank you Mark and Angel ?
Braja Patnaik says
Kudos to you Marc for listing these things here. Isnt it true that all the things that we need to give up to move forward are things that are within us. These are our attitudes, opinions, world-view, perspective, philosophy of life if you may say so. The change has to come from inside-out. To move further in the right direction, we need the change from within which can propel us forward.
Scabs says
Just like the beasite boys said: “I Took Control Of My Life, Just As Anyone Can. I Want Everyone To See It’s In The Palm Of Your Hand”
This is one of my favorite quotes. I try and live by it. And this post reminded me of it.
Andy says
Definitely one of the best lists I’ve seen in a long while. Thanks.
Blanche says
Great and inspiring read. Just what I needed in this very moment. Thanks, Marc. 🙂
Sara W. says
Your lists reframe my perspective all the time. Thank you!
I do have one suggestion, though, based on experience:
“Give up letting YOUR opinion of others control your feelings and life.”
I’ve often noticed that I get bogged down by my judgments and assumptions about other people and their intentions, and it’s just not worth it.
Jamie says
Good tips. As always with lists such as these, I become aware of the things I need to work on.
wendy merron says
Great blog, Marc and Angel!
I’m going to add NEGATIVE SELF TALK to your list.
All too often we believe the negative thoughts that swirl through our minds. Learning how to change, eliminate, or release these thoughts can help people move themselves to action MUCH FASTER.
Daniel says
I truly needed this right now! You are an angel! 😀
Ara Bedrossian says
Well put. The power of now, as Eckhart Tolle’s book is titled, is really the power that will drive our lives. So much of worry is living in the past or future. Cut out worry, and suddenly life blooms before you. Plan, but don’t worry. Planning requires decision-making, worry is circular mind chatter. The power of now is what I remind myself whenever I get overwhelmed or when I start leaving tasks unfinished because of all the things I want to do.
Cheers to now.
Amandah says
Brilliant post!
Point #1, “Letting the opinions of others control your life,” is a major killer spirit. If you live, breathe, and seek approval from others, you’re not really living.
By the way…What’s not discussed is how your family can control and manipulate you with their opinions. There isn’t enough information on ‘how to’ stand in your power when it comes to family because we’re taught that ‘blood’ ties are the be all and end all. This isn’t true. Have the courage to let go of the opinions your family has about you. If you lose contact with them, so be it. You can make your own family by choosing to surround yourself with people who love, respect and support you, no matter what.
Nev says
Thank you for the words of wisdom. I finally figured out what is “holding me back”. These reminders nailed it!
Meow says
#7 is something I’ve been thinking about lately pretty much all put into one….. amazing, really!
Rahul says
Thank You
I really got inspired
Melinda's Musings says
Great post! I always look forward to these inspirational (but not too preachy!) lists. #3, #4, and #5 are right up my ally when it comes to wanting to change my job situation. I know I’m unhappy with it, but I’m extremely INDECISIVE about what I want to do next. I’m a huge PROCRASTINATOR too! And I know I need to CHOOSE to change things for myself to live the life I want! (career-wise, since everything else I’m very content with and grateful for in my life). I’m printing this out and maybe hiding snippets of it around my cubicle tomorrow!
Ravindran K says
The essence and wisdom in all your messages are not possible without the inspiration from God. You both are blessed. Inculcating these wisdom that brings growth from within is what prayer is all about. I allot more time reading your messages than for prayer. It has helped me grow.
Our Nige says
I’ve read quite a few of your posts and lists over the last six months and they have asked me some very thought provoking questions. You have also helped to lift me up when the world has been dragging me down. So it is a big thank you from me to both of you. Keep on inspiring people I/we need all the help we can get. It is just a shame some times we don’t ask or we don’t listen.
Many thanks
God Bless You
Nige
Gilbert says
Hey Marc, Thanks a lot for the share;
I liked this one “A mistake doesn’t become a failure until you refuse to correct it.”
Made my day. Cheers.
Mim says
I swear, in the first 3 points, you just described me. And this post is so right about everything. Thanks so much.
Jon says
Spectacular. So incredibly inspirational. Exactly what I needed. Thank you both so much.
Dreamline Diary says
I found your article via a friend’s Facebook page and felt so inspired. #1 really hit home with me. I am so thankful for you sharing this that I am going to do a series of blog posts about it on my website. Thank you for sharing, I will link back to here in each post. Thanks again, Bec
martinhetzer says
Nice. I’m gonna share this with my brother. I know he’ll like it.
Christina says
I love this site, it always lifts me up when I feel down, thanks for making me think outside the box, and also for making me see the positives far outweigh the negatives.