I have learned that life is constantly testing us for our level of commitment, and that life’s greatest rewards are reserved for those who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to push forward even when times are tough.
Sometimes I catch myself staring at the people around me – studying their gestures and expressions. I wonder, “What’s their story? What are they searching for? What makes their heart beat with happiness, with sorrow, with fear, and with longing?” And then I ask myself, “What thoughts might Marc and I post on this blog to inspire them, and to remind them that, even on the toughest days, our hearts all beat for these same things?”
Today, in our latest video blog, we want to share some of these thoughts with you. Because when life gets stressful, we often forget the things we should remember, and remember the things we should forget. So here are some good reminders for those bad days when you need a little extra motivation:
Video Blog Post:
4 Good Reminders (video transcript):
1. YOU are okay. You are just a little stronger now.
Having a bad day? It’s okay. YOU are okay. But now you’re a little stronger than you were yesterday.
Put your hand on your heart. Feel that? That’s called ‘a purpose. You’re here today for a reason. Don’t give up and don’t give in. And above all, don’t let one or two dark clouds cover the entire sky. The sun is always shining on some part of your life. Sometimes you just have to forget how you feel, remember what you deserve, and keep pushing forward.
Keep in mind that we’ve all made mistakes. We’ve all made absolute fools of ourselves. We’ve let people take advantage of us, and we’ve accepted way less than we deserve. And sometimes, we too have given others way less than they deserve. Sometimes we let our priorities and our boundaries get ravished by the chaos of the day. But if you think about it, we’ve learned a lot from our bad choices, and even though there are some things we can never recover, and people who will never be sorry, we now know better for next time. We now have more power to shape our future.
2. You are far more capable than you think.
You have to remember that you are incredibly capable of handling great challenges. But when times are good, and everything is comfortably in order, it can be easy to become complacent and forget how skillful and resourceful you are capable of being. Unanticipated troubles are necessary evils that push you forward; because the troubles will eventually end, but the lessons and growth you gain from them will last a lifetime.
Truth be told, there are two types of pain in life: pain that hurts you, and pain that grows you. But when you learn from a difficult experience, they are one and the same. Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you could not do before. Tough situations build strong, successful people. So no matter how much it hurts now, you have to hold your head up, grit your teeth, and take another step. Don’t waste time complaining. In the end, persistence and determination speak loud enough. Focus diligently through your struggles. Work hard in silence, and let your success be your noise. (Read As a Man Thinketh.)
3. The struggle is the path, and it leads to better days.
Will the road ahead always be easy? Not at all. But will it be worth your while? Absolutely. Because the struggle is not found on the path, it is the path, and it leads to better days. When the day is really dark, it can be hard to see the light, but you have to try. True strength comes when you have so much to cry and complain about, but you prefer to smile and appreciate your life instead. There are blessings hidden in every struggle you face, but you have to be willing to open your heart and mind to see them. You can’t force things to happen. You will only drive yourself crazy trying. At some point you have to let go and let what’s meant to be, BE.
In the end, loving your life is about trusting your intuition, taking chances, losing and finding happiness, cherishing the memories, and learning through experience. It’s a long-term journey. You have to stop worrying, wondering, and doubting every step of the way. Laugh at the confusion, live consciously in the moment, and enjoy your life as it unfolds – struggles and all. You might not end up exactly where you intended to go, but you will eventually arrive precisely where you need to be.
4. Taking the next step is always worth it.
And that’s why the best thing you can do is to keep going. Don’t be afraid to get back up – to try again, to love again, to live again, and to dream again. Don’t let a hard lesson harden your heart. Life’s best lessons are often learned at the worst times and from the worst mistakes. There will be times when it seems like everything that could possibly go wrong is going wrong. And you might feel like you will be stuck in this rut forever, but you won’t. When you feel like quitting, remember that sometimes things have to go very wrong before they can be right. Sometimes you have to go through the worst, to arrive at your best.
Yes, life is tough, but you are tougher. Find the strength to laugh every day. Find the courage to feel different, yet beautiful. Find it in your heart to make others smile too. Don’t stress over things you can’t change. Live simply. Love generously. Speak truthfully. Work diligently. And even if you fall short, keep going. Keep growing.
Awake every morning and do your best to follow this simple daily TO-DO list: Think positively. Eat healthy. Exercise today. Worry less. Work hard. Laugh often. Sleep well. And then rewind and repeat… (Marc and I discuss this in detail in the “Adversity” chapter of 1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently.)
The floor is yours…
If you’re having a bad day, or if you’re struggling in any way at all, know that you are not alone. We are all in this together. Many of us are right there with you, working hard to feel better, think more clearly, and keep our lives on track.
In fact whenever life gets tough, and things go wrong, Marc and I make it a point to focus on what’s right – the positives. So today we challenge you to do the same. Please leave a comment below and let us know…
What’s something positive you try to keep in mind when you’re struggling or having a bad day?
Photo by: Chad Cooper
Susan Rae says
I had a bad day today, so thanks for the encouragement. Very motivating!
This video post is chock full of so much of what I needed to read today. I’m drowning in a couple realities that I’ve been afraid to face, and feel I’ve buried myself way too deep in denial. But there’s enough here to watch/read over and over, as many times as needed, to assure myself that I can overcome them and make progress again. That’s actually the thing I like most about your website and book – reliable, positive sources to reference when I lose my perspective. Thank you.
Gwen says
Thank you for this perceptive and supportive advice. Your words remind me of several aspects of life that I forget are so worth the effort…life is not a Disney movie, so avoiding difficult emotions does not work. Sitting or walking with them or talking about them or drawing or writing them does, and enables them to be digested over time. The past is actually not happening now. When we are acutely miserable or afraid, it truly will pass. Thanks for putting this together in such a compassionate clear way.
Rohan Advani says
You guys are awesome!! The posts that you guys belt out are easy to relate to and so fun to read and think about. Amazing content with thoughtful insights. <3 You Marc and Angel!! 🙂 God bless!
Wayne Slay says
I’m a work in progress recovering from a devastating divorce in January. Your emails and articles have inspired me almost daily since then. Blessings on you for consistently working to make this blog both a pleasure to read and an ever-present reminder that life is worth living. I owe you a debt of gratitude which I cannot repay, but must ask that you continue to keep writing and sharing with us. (Also picked up a copy of your book today and can’t wait to dive in.)
Bina says
When I’m having a bad day I try to keep in mind that those negative feelings are with me for a reason, that I need to acknowledge them before I let them go so I can make room for positive feelings.
I also remind myself that I’ve been in worse situations and I’ve come out of those stronger and truer to myself.
Most importantly I try to really look around me, focus on my heartbeat and my breath and just feel profoundly grateful that I’ve been gifted with yet another day of life.
And if nothing of the above seems to work I come visit you on this beautiful website and let you remind me of what really matters. Thank you so much!
Matt Palka says
I am going through some bad times right now, but I am tough. I am better choosing happiness because of the hurt and growth that is occurring. Things have gone wrong, but they are going right. When I am having a bad day, I keep in mind that I am alive and breathing and that I am a contribution to so many things. The world would not be what it is without me.
Yolanda says
I am really having a bad day today. My boyfriend of 11 months broke up with me yesterday, he said that “we aren’t compatible for each other, that he has issues in his life and our relationship also has issues and he doesn’t have the strength to try any longer because we have been trying but we don’t seem to get it right” and a lot more. I don’t know how to feel, because I gave so much to make it work, compromised so much of myself for the relationship…I got so insecure and messed up everything. Now I lost him and I am not sure how to feel…can hardly sleep nor eat. Can hardly think about him and not have my heart torn. I am numb right now. Hoping this will pass.
Yolanda says
So yes, I am having a bad. I ran into this post and it kind of made me smile – gave me hope that this is just a temporary feeling and I will get over it all eventually. Thank you.
Jeff Kelley says
You guys have really helped me. I agree that no matter what we need to keep on keeping on . I’m hitting a really hard patch and the only thing good I can think of is that my heart is still beating. I’ve heard it said that god only gives you what you can handle. Well if that’s so then this entity must think that I’m Hercules. it’s hard to keep up with this it’s hard hard hard. I know you guys keep saying that you shouldn’t give in or give up but this is been happening to me for so long that the only thing as of late that I’ve been thinking about is giving in and giving up.
nishit says
Thanks guys… Love this.
Kristin says
First of all, thank you so much for your inspiring words. (Always.)
When I have a bad day, or a bad week, I always speak to my parents. Explain to them. And the fact that they are alive, that they pick up the phone when I call, and that they love me more than words can say, is enough to remind me what a lucky human beeing I am today.
Michael Feeley says
This is such a great post. I especially love you asking us to put our hand to our heart, to feel it…”that’s purpose.”
My very best – Michael
Marianne says
I remember that whatever it is I am struggling about or just struggles themselves, are the small picture. The big picture is unfolding and revealing itself every day, many times unaware to us, here in our temporary lives on earth and what where we’ll be when leaving this life. The latter being the real big picture naturally all of us will find ourselves one day. So in the scheme of things, I try to never forget as bad as it might be, we should remain aware our actions on earth, striving to do the right thing. If we do, extraordinary brighter things, things we could never even know now, lie ahead of us in the future, and the next realm.
akindele peter says
Well said. “And even you fall short, keep going. Keep growing” my favourite. Thanks.
Ariadne Blake says
Yesterday was a sad day, and I was not looking forward to today, and so I really enjoyed this post.
Something positive I try to keep in mind when I’ve had a bad day is that this suffering, if offered to God, can actually help someone else in the world who may be suffering far more than I am.
Thanks again! (I’m going to be reading you guys when I go away to school!)
Franca says
Your posts are so inspiring and uplifting. Thank you so much for the encouraging words and reminders that we all need in order to face some of our difficult situations whether those are our own negative thoughts holding us back about our self worth or what others have done to hurt us. Your words always make me want to get up wipe the dust from my pants and move on. Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Amy says
All four points are great reminders! I especially like number 2 and it is the number one motivation I give myself every time I go back home to visit my parents. they are conservative Catholics and I am not so much. They have been giving me so much hard times for not believing in what they believe..
I am due for the next visit and this post really prepared me for what I might have to through when I am with my parents.. great post!
Corinna says
Thank you for this message today. I have been having a rough year thus far for many reasons but today is my fiancee’s and I anniversary of our first date. I have been pushing him away because of my own internal battles and he always stays by my side. Today I am reminded of how lucky I am to have him and that I know we can get through this and everything else together. For this I am eternally grateful to be loved, thank you for reminding me.
Dan says
Such a beautiful and wise post. Somehow you guys say exactly what I need to hear every time. This post, though, really touched me on a philosophical level. I’ve bought your book, follow your blog and thank you so deeply for the compassion and self-understanding you give your readers. You truly work magic and do so much good through what you do.
michelle says
This is so great! Great tips that I’ve learned the hard way, but you are right. I’m stronger and learned that I’m capable of whatever is necessary. Thanks for sharing.
Grace says
Many thanks for these words of advice. I have been greatly blessed by these messages and several others earlier posted on your blog. You are both a blessing to this generation.
Mitzi says
I am a relatively recent widow (6 months), and I struggle every day to not allow the sad to overwhelm me. Thanks for the reminder that it’s just part of my journey, and that the path WILL lead to better days.
Thank you for providing us with positive reinforcement…Everyone needs that.
Gabriella says
I have to admit I read your emails sporadically these days. I still keep them and very much appreciate what you two do. This particular email must have called out to me so I read it and honestly it really helped me this morning. Going through a multitude of devastating life events right now and the thoughts that you put in this email are ones I am aware of but forget to go back to. You might have saved me today. Thank you.
Anita Madison says
You guys are spot on on this one. I have just gone through a tough spell in my business. I was feeling really angry, frustrated, really unsure of myself and then out of no where I realized…. I learned a lot for this experience and I won’t let it happen again. Even though it did not help me in this particular transaction it was impowering!
Patti says
I have been with you since the beginning, and unlike other authors or bloggers I have read I have never outgrown you. I have my husband hooked too. Know you opened my heart today so the pain will stop and I can make the effort to move forward.
Lorna says
I try to remember it’s all in my perception… a lot of my so called “problems” are laughable compared to what’s normal in many of parts of the world.
Then I’ll journal about one thing I did, or something that happened, that really well today – seems to open the door of gratitude a bit.
Great reminders to stay on track.
imaobong says
I honestly don’t what my life would be without your motivational videos and articles, you give me hope, strength and smiles even in the darkest moments of my life. Your messages have changed my mentality and approach to life. Thank you Marc and Angel, God bless you.
David Rapp says
Some thoughts:
1. When your furious, get curious. Why am I so damn mad? Who or what am I mad at? Where is this anger taking me? When did this all start? It almost always comes back to your interpretation of the situation as being “bad.”
2. In order to clean up a mess, sometimes you have to make a bigger mess. Example: how can you clean out your closet? You can stand outside and rearrange, remove, or reload the contents. Or you can empty it all out, clean it, and then put back only what you need there. Emptying it out actually makes the mess bigger, but gives the best results.
3. My son has a book about going on a bear hunt. As the family hunts, they encounter obstacle after obstacle. Every time, they say they can’t go over it, they can’t go around it…they can only go through it. It sucks, but its true. Avoiding the inevitable because you know/fear its will suck does you no good. Whenever I am procrastinating, I am always avoiding soemthing I think will suck.
tina says
I remind myself that I can choose to not agree with the person who thinks I’m ‘less than’ or ‘worthless.’
I remind myself I am safe in my own skin, forgiven, that I love myself and appreciate myself.
Don Grohoske says
Signed up a while ago for your e-mails. Each day I open my email and look to see if I received a gift from you. When i do, I clear my mind, stop everything else and open my gift. That gift is the positive outlook you provide. I read your words and look at my current emotional state. After I read your thoughts, and retread them, I am ready to get started. I smile at people more and really try to focus more on other people. Very, very rewarding. I feel like I am taking advantage of your generosity by receiving your periodic gifts and giving you nothing in return. So, I am going to buy your book. Being candid, I don’t intend to read it right now. Instead, it is my way of saying thank you for the email gifts you send and my way of helping you gather the resources needed to continue sending my gifts forever. I don’t have one specific life challenge your words help me with, I let your words wash over me and they give me a layer of protection from my own negative thoughts and the thoughts or actions of others. I will, however, share your book with friends and suggest they choose to receive their email gifts. I love mine. You always seem to know exactly what I wanted. Please continue. Don
Michelle says
Excellent!! I really enjoyed this.
One thing that my father has always taught me when I’m going through a rough patch is to count my blessings over and over again. Sometimes we forget to count what’s around us, smile at the sun, and be genuinely grateful of small things that make a big difference in our lives.
Jennifer says
Funny how things work, I had one of the worst days at my job yesterday. I woke up positive today (to my surprise) because I allowed myself to feel every aspect of anger and sadness and the overall frustration. I didn’t rationalize those emotions away I just felt through them and then I turned my thoughts to what matters most to me. My family and friends who rallied behind me in my great moment of need. Those are the things that are important and that is what I’m focused on today.
I find that it isn’t a coincidence that following my extremely bad day at work yesterday this tip was in my inbox. Keep doing what you do, it’s working!
Ken whittle says
Thanks for the encouragement today. I really needed to read this this morning.
Somya Gupta says
So, I made up a to-do list for today. It was my birthday but I wanted to work hard and not be disturbed. (I am preparing for some very tough medical entrance exams here in India which are promising to take all the life out of me!! 🙁 ).
And then my friends threw me a birthday party which was very nice and everything but it totally blew up my entire plan and I ended up wasting a lot of my time. I am sitting on my bed at 11 pm feeling very defeated. Hope tomorrow’s a better day.
Love your website BTW. Keep up the awesome work. Has helped me a lot. 🙂
Sandra says
I appreciate your blogs Marc and Angel. I wish that I could talk to you in person. I have met with doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and a few family members and close friends, all of whom have since cut me off. You see, no matter how hard try, for the past twelve months I have been unable to cope with losing the three loves of my life. My boyfriend of four years left me for my best friend of twelve years, and neither ever showed any sign of remorse, no apologies for their actions or for hurting me more than I have ever experienced. I need to know how to stop thinking about this 24/7. I feel like someone who is mourning a loss, but never recovers. I have even tried prescriptions, they all make me feel worse. In the mean time, my health is declining at a rapid rate, I believe, due to my sadness, loss, and despair. I would love to hear from you or anyone who has words of advice that will get through to me. I really am open-minded although it may not appear so. I have read the book, maybe you can direct me to the exact spots that would be most beneficial to my situation. I don’t want to give up, but feel as though I am headed in that direction, with no one left to talk to. Thank you, kindly…
Silouan Green says
Thanks for this! Sometimes the bad days can provide the motivation we need to focus on what we need to do to keep moving forward.
Cindy says
Thank you, thank you, thank you. This last year has been the hardest year of my life. – divorce, two major surgeries, serious health problems, had a gun pointed at me, found out an adult was smoking pot with my 13 year old son, dated an alcoholic, and the list continues. I have enough prescribed drugs to kill a horse. I put these bottles in my purse and left my house. Thank God your email just happened to pop up. I know my 13 year old triplets would never get over losing their mother. I know this year has been hell but you bet your sweet bottom I AM AND WILL grow from these mistakes. I will be OK. I can go on. Thank you for helping me through this. I called a therapist an have an appointment. I am going to get through this. I am a heck of a lot stronger then even I thought I was. Again, thank you for saving my life and my children’s future.
mel@thedizzymom says
I’m right smack dab in the middle of a bad day. Guys, I needed this. I’m going to focus on my kid’s smiles. Not the crap that is trying to slow me down. You’re the best.
Dorothy says
My son sent me your website. I look forward to your emails . . I am often saying , “yes that’s me.” Thank you so much.
jean says
You two are adorable!!!
One good thing to think of when your day is not going well is your breath equals life and life equals infinite possibilities ;-D
Arzu says
Definitely needed to hear this today! I try to remember that the bad times don’t last forever.
Julie says
Thank you so much for this post. I needed to read that today, and it’s really helped.
G Teid says
These days when I am having a bad day I am trying to remember that no matter what the situation, I always have a choice. I need to choose life and living and everything that makes me feel good. I went outside the other day sat on a bench in front of magnificent mountains and made myself SMILE!! Do you know how hard it is to feel bad when you are smiling? I felt things turn around for me. While I was smiling it made me think about all of the gifts I have to smile about. That made a difference also, blessed too much to be stressed as they say! Try a SMILE! I was feeling at the end and this saved me.
Cindy says
Your blog has helped me muster up strength and courage to move forward during my most challenging year so far. This past year I broke away from a very toxic relationship, was diagnosed with breast cancer and lost my job and my apartment.
At times, I wanted to give up and give in. I was mentally and physically exhausted. It wasn’t until I truly let go and decided that I would not be a victim of my own negativity.
Something shifted with me and I realized that it was far less exhausting to live in the positive and let go of the outcome. I continued to have struggles but with a great outlook.
Today I’m involved in a healthy and fulfilling relationship, in remission after 2 lumpectomies and radiation, have my own apartment and have returned back to school after 25 years…studying for my dream profession!
Vishal says
Nice post!
Indeed it’s the hardships of our life which make us stronger as a person.
Happy says
When things are bad I try to focus on the positive, be grateful for what I have and think of others that are far worse off than I am. And, I try to be kind to myself – which often means a treat or two…
Suzanne says
Fun to see you two in real life on the video. Always great to put faces to the people whose blogs I read.
Thank you.
Dave Nordella says
I am having a good day today. I have had some dreadful months last year. I was able to get through those months by remembering days like today.
I cannot control the past. I cannot foresee the future. What I can do is be grateful for the day that I am living in.
I spent a little time each day to pray in gratitude so that I can “bank” from these good days. That way I have something to spend on whatever may happen during a bad day up ahead.
Linda Hyams says
This couldn’t have come at a better time.
Betsy says
So comforting to know that we are all in this together. 4 Simple reminders that speak so much. Wayne said he is a work in progress. I feel the same. Since I have been reading your posts, many things have become more clear to me.
A work in progress indeed, every day. Thank you Marc & Angel, and everyone else. Everyone has a piece to the big puzzle of life.