Doubt your doubts before you doubt your hope.
That’s the super-short version of my advice for those moments when nothing seems to be going as planned in the days and weeks ahead—when everything you want seems out of reach.
Yes, just be right where you are, with an open mind.
Let go of what you think your life is supposed to look like and sincerely appreciate it for everything that it is.
Easier said than done of course, especially when tragedy strikes. And although Marc and I have coped and grown through our fair share of real tragedies (including the recent pandemic), let’s be honest about something: 98% of the time we create tragedy in our daily lives out of fairly minor incidents. Something doesn’t go exactly as planned, but rather than learn from the experience, we freak out about it and let stress become us.
My challenge for you today is to choose differently—don’t let the little things that are out of your control dominate you.
Truth be told, in the heat of the moment the biggest difference between peace and stress is attitude. It’s all about how you look at a situation and what you decide to do with it. It’s remembering that there are no certainties in life—you don’t know exactly what the future will bring. So your best strategy for living is to make the best and most positive use of the present moment, even when it disappoints you…
Especially when it disappoints you!
Your life, with all its ups and downs, with all its unexpected twists and turns, has strengthened you. It took each and every intricate and confusing situation you have encountered to bring you to right here, right now. And if you have the courage to admit that you’re a little scared, the ability to smile even as you cry, the nerve to ask for help when you need it, and the wisdom to take it when it’s offered, then you have everything you need.
You just have to believe it so you can take the next step.
Seriously, nothing is out of reach when you realize it’s all in your head.
Which is why it’s time to remind yourself…
- You don’t need baggage from yesterday clouding your vision of today’s blessings. The only thing stopping you 98% of the time is your mind and the thoughts you entertain. So take a deep breath and recenter yourself. You become a true master of your life when you learn how to master your focus—where your attention goes. Value what you give your energy to. Focus your limited energy on what matters most in the present.
- It’s truly powerful and beautiful when a person’s intentions are genuine. So remember to do things for the right reasons, even when things don’t work out as planned. Your “why” must be bigger than the disappointments and challenges you face. Seriously, as often as you can, remind yourself why! With a strong enough reason why, you’ll be able to do what’s required at any time and in any circumstance.
- Most people end up cheating on themselves and others, again and again, simply because they pay more attention to what they’re missing, rather than what they have. Meditate on this, so you don’t fall back into old, tired patterns. This one gets the best of even the best of us. Toxic habits and behaviors always try to sneak back in when we’re doing better. Stay focused.
- You will end up heartbroken if you expect people will always do for you as you do for them. Not everyone has the same heart as you. Forgive them! Yes, forgive them, not because they absolutely deserve forgiveness, but because you absolutely deserve peace of mind. Free yourself of the burden of being an eternal victim.
- If somebody is working on themselves and changing for the better, it’s unnecessary to keep bringing up their past. People can change and grow. Take this to heart, and show yourself the same courtesy too. Oftentimes you don’t even realize that you’re blocking your own present blessings by holding on to the past. Start letting go. Be here now.
- Calmness is a human superpower. The ability to not overreact or take things personally keeps your mind clear and your heart at peace. It’s never too late to change your attitude about something you can’t change. Just decide to make the best of it. Take life day by day and be grateful for the little things. No excuses. Let go of all the purposeless drama, aimless time-wasters, and mental clutter that keeps getting in your way. (Marc and I build life-changing, daily rituals for doing just that with our two-on-one coaching clients and our students in the “Goals & Growth” module of the Getting Back to Happy Course.)
- Mental strength is incredibly important. Take care of your mind and the way you speak to yourself. Don’t let negative self-talk weaken you. Talk like you are blessed. Walk like you are blessed. Think like you are blessed. Work like you are blessed. And you will be, one way or another.
- Everything gets a bit uncomfortable when it’s time to change (or when it’s time to recalibrate your expectations). That’s just a part of the growth process. Things will get better. Be patient, and remind yourself that you will never have to force anything that’s truly meant to be. Just do your best, then adopt a “whatever happens, happens” mindset. Don’t try to force things—let go and allow the right blessings to flow.
- The wrong choices can bring us to the right places. The biggest failures often carry the best lessons. When you fail to get what you want, consider that it just might be a blessing in disguise. Seriously, be grateful that certain connections and situations didn’t work out. If you didn’t let go and learn, you would be stuck with false promises. Celebrate your progress. (Marc and I discuss this in more detail in the “Adversity” chapter of our “1,000 Little Things” book.)
- It’s funny how we outgrow what we once thought we couldn’t live without, and then we fall in love with what we didn’t even know we wanted. Eventually you’ll end up where you need to be, doing the right things, alongside the right people. Patience and persistence are the key. But don’t forget to pause on occasion and appreciate how far you’ve come too. You’ve been through a lot, and you’ve grown a lot. Give yourself credit for the steps you’ve taken, so you can step forward again with grace.
Afterthoughts… On Stepping Through a Day with Grace
All details aside, the goal in the year ahead is to grow so strong on the inside that nothing on the outside can affect your inner wellness without your conscious permission.
It’s about letting go of fantasies, accepting reality, having faith in your journey, and appreciating all the little things that are within your reach.
As you continue to progress forward, do your best to avoid letting anyone or anything clutter your peace of mind. Live a life that moves you and makes you smile every day. Because you don’t want to get to the end, or to tomorrow even, and realize that your life is merely a collection of stressful expectations and “somedays” and errands and receipts and empty promises.
You CAN choose differently!
You CAN step through each day with grace…
So, go ahead and sing out loud in the car with the windows down, and dance in your living room with your family, and stay up late laughing, and paint your walls any color you want, and enjoy some port wine and chocolate cake. Yes, go ahead and sleep in on clean white sheets, and throw spontaneous parties, and paint, and write poetry, and read books so good they make you lose track of time. And just keep living and making God glad that he gave life to someone who loves and appreciates the gift.
It’s your turn now…
If you’re feeling up to it, we would love to hear from YOU.
Which point mentioned above resonates with you the most today, and why?
Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.
Also, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for our free newsletter to receive new articles like this in your inbox each week.
Photo by: Ryan Holloway
Natalie Jennings says
I love what you said about NOT endlessly bringing up a person’s past and holding it against them–and I like how you mentioned that we often do that to ourselves too. Honestly, this is what your Getting Back to Happy coaching and lessons have helped me with most. In the past I’ve been a sucker to my own self-limiting beliefs. I’ve literally held myself back numerous times simply by telling myself that I’m not capable enough, because of some minor past failure or rejection. Anyway, I appreciate the reminder today. I’ve come a long way! And it feels good to feel the progress.
Gabe Niles says
There you go again, M&A, dropping an insightful blog post link in my inbox right when I needed to a solid pick-me-up. I feel like this post is such a great highlight of what I’ve learned from your blog and book over the past year. Thank you!
And to answer your question about why I try to keep in mind on down days …
“This too shall pass. Much of it already has.”
Kelvin says
Hi Gabe — I agree. Honestly, I feel blessed because every everything they are talking about here used to hinder my life, but since I started getting Marc and Angel’s e-mails I have learned my weakness and I have slowly changed. I hope they can get their books distributed here in Africa ?.
Hillary says
Your coaching and online teachings never cease to move me, Marc and Angel! Thank you, sincerely.
And I absolutely love point #10 and how you ended this post!
Let’s all appreciate how far we’ve come, and step forward with a touch of grace today! We’ve earned it. 🙂
Wilna says
I love every word here. Currently, I am walking through a deep sunless valley… the possibility of losing my home and the life I have now is there. Eveything is “in between” for me. I have lost so much the last three years. Yet… I have faith in a God who can move mountains. Last night I watched the meteorite shower under a blanket until I fell asleep under the stars. I live a grateful life of wonder and grace.
Sharon. says
It’s ironic that your story is a lot like one I was in about 10 yrs ago. I just shared with my childhood friend that it now seems like a setup to get me to where I needed to be. I was involved in a mortgage fraud that until it was too late, I didn’t know what had happened I sold my home and moved back to NC, where I said I would never move back to My mom was in the beginning stages of dementia and I had to take the reins to get her life situated. I had gone through a divorce, and wanted to date again but trying to make sure my mom was comfortable made that sort of impossible. But God had already set in motion a setup for me to meet my next husband (my Boaz) I found out on this journey that the man I thought was my father had adopted me, and my two sisters were his biological children. I found out who my biological dad was (he was dead) and I had brothers and sisters I had never met!!! My mom didn’t remember so I couldn’t get much from her. I could go on and on, but I just want you to go on your journey, no matter what it costs you, because it will take you to where you need to be on the next part of it. It will be a blessing in the ride, some you will love and some maybe not so much!! God Bless you.
Connie W. says
I’m Praying for you, Wilna, that your circumstances will get Better in the future– may the Lord give you Peace as you work through it, taking one day at a time… God has a Plan for each of us!?
Dorothy says
Wishing you all the love your hands and heart can hold….DH
Luana Lopes says
Your emails and articles are always so inspiring! I like to believe that God speaks to us through other people’s mouths and that’s definitely what happens when I read your messages. Wish you guys a great week and year.
Carol A. Kaufman says
What a fantastic post!! I am going through a horrific time right now and I know most of it is self-created and attempts to move forward often met with self blockage even though moves must be made.
Thank you so much for such wonderful insights and helpful comments!
D says
All of the points resonate with me, but especially today I am going to practice the first one. My Dad’s health has declined a lot over the last 6 months and he is lying in a hospital bed as I write this. We know our time is very limited with him. I have faced this past 12 months with a lot of challenges within my family and at work. I am going into work today to get an important deliverable completed, but will remember to take deep breaths and let go to be present in the moment while I am at work today. Thank you for all of the inspiration you provide…it’s like getting advice from a friend when you need it the most.
John Durham says
Many reminders you mention in this article ring timely for me now. I especially like toward the beginning when you stated, “Let go of what you think your life is supposed to look like and sincerely appreciate it for everything that it is.”
Thanks for always bringing a reality check to my day.
Sharon. says
I agree with that statement also. I have been trying to figure out what my purpose is. My best friend shared this with me today and it was like God answering my question immediately. I have spent days, after my mom passed on June 5 from dementia, trying to figure out what I am supposed to be doing I am elated today.
Lucas j Mowery says
That’s another part I love as well in my life I have noticed that all I have tried to do is live by what others want instead of living my own life I have decided myself to many people because I truly wanted to help them as much as possible and in the end it didn’t matter I was still alone and lost so that’s something I’m truly going to try to work on is living the life I want and not living the life that someone else wants thanks for that inspiring quote it means a lot and really does help me
LJ says
This sentence hit me square in the head: “The wrong choices can bring us to the right places..” That is exactly what happened to my husband and me!
I can learn something from everything you wrote in this blog. Thank you for your insight.
I am so glad I found this site and I get excited every few days when I see a new email from you.
Vijayakumar NC says
In deed…fantastic authors , wisdom pack materials. Both books and all your articles are best and insightful, very practical and healing.
Maria says
I feel sorrow as I just had a car accident and I realize that i’m having the same old boring pattern of meeting a new guy, and they’ve never stayed.
But I know that I can’t let this thought and sorrow controlling my life.
I started to be grateful and let go of all the fantasies I have in my mind. And yet, u are right! It feels so much lighter afterwards and I just realized I have my smile back today. Thanks Marc & Angel for the reminder.
Sandie Markcrow says
Hi Marc and Angel
I love and appreciate everything you write – it always seems to have perfect timing. I live in Australia and would like to buy your book. Can I find it in local book stores? Or maybe online is better right now with covid, etc. I’ll have to check.
Sandie
Carly says
Hi Sandie I am in Melbourne and I ordered their book ‘Getting Back to Happy: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Reality, and Turn Your Trials into Triumphs’ through Amazon, as I could not source it locally. Unfortunately the postage costs more than the book but still well worth the investment.
P.G. says
This could not have come at a better time in my life right now. I”m married to a very narcissistic person who only cares, talks and does for their self and it has always been like this and I on the other hand am an extremely loving, giving and helping person and this has really taken a toll on me for the last 7 years mentally and physically. I just don’t know how to handle it. Your blog this morning really helped me to open my eyes to a lot of things I never thought of before. If I was around more people like yourself, I know life would be a lot more manageable for me. Thanks for your great blog this morning. I will reading on your blog as long as your here writing. I love reading your articles.
DR says
Hello PG!
I’m sorry that this is happening to you. I do understand some of the elements you are going through. I’m a woman who’s first marriage (7 years) was similar and an ex boyfriend (we broke up 6 years ago after 2 years together) who I always felt inferior to. I did a lot of reading about bad relationships afterward that relationship. It was eye opening in my situation. He was an alcoholic and as I read more, I realized that he was unhappy with himself. One, by drinking so much and two, by putting me down.
Stay strong and do what you need to do.
In support!
DR
PG says
Hello DR,
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with me. I am already beginning to see what I need to do and have been searching for so long, yet just never could get a grasp on it. What you said makes complete sense to me and the drinking WAS one of the problems, but he did manage to stop that about 4 years ago which helped, but then other things started happening with him putting me down. I am stronger than I thought I could ever be and I will continue to try and build my self confidence back up to where I once was. Thanks so much.
PG
Danay Winston says
Forgiving people for not being what you expect them to be. Powerful and true. Often not only do I forgive but I live by the motto that most of what you personally want you have to pursue yourself! You cannot outsource the road to success, if you do then you’ll end up outsourcing the victory!
Michelle Polster says
Right in the beginning, “Doubt your doubts before you doubt your hope” hit me like a thunderbolt. I’ve gotten better but I still give into my doubts and it cuts me short of my potential. When I find myself doing it, I have such a visceral reaction; I can actually feel a sort of sucker punch in my heart. That piece of advice is now my mantra when those moments arise.
Jenn says
“Let go of what your life is supposed to look like and appreciate it for everything it is”…your posts seem to always come at exactly the right time. Thank you.
Meghan says
I feel like I’m in a dark hole trying to dig myself out I’ll get a foot up and then slide two feet back down. My kids are living their lives and prospering and doing great . My ex- husband is living his life and prospering. He has new hobbies and seems to be just doing great. While I’m just digging the same hole over and over!!!!!! So many changes too fast. But 2021 is a new year, and these points above really do give me some perspective. I’m doing my best to stay hopeful and push forward.
Jennifer Arnold says
It’s hard to find just one or two statements that stood out in this one for me because it seemed every single statement spoke directly to my heart and mind right now. I’m SO grateful for the friend that posted one of your entries in Facebook and prompted me to get your 1,000 Little Things book a long time ago. Such a great read! And your entries so often appear in my email inbox just at the right time! Thank you thank you thank you!
Diana says
I just have to say how much I love your bi-weekly inspirational emails, stories and messages. They always come right on time and right when I need to hear them. Please continue to do what you are doing and spreading your messages of hope and inspiration. I truly consider your emails my daily little blessings I believe come from our spirit angels and God. THANK YOU.
Leanne Calderwood says
Thank you Marc and Angel for a great reminder of how we should treat ourselves, just as well as we treat others. So often we put our mental and physical well-being last, and simply run out of energy to tend to our own needs. By taking back control and giving ourselves the affirmations we need to keep going, everyone around us benefits as well. Thank you and all the best!!
DR says
I admit that I loose sight of just being in the “now”. I always have. I like your emails that I receive almost daily. I needed the one that you sent out today, Aug. 14th. I need to work on more of just letting things be. I’m in a situation currently living with a housemate (her house) and it’s not what I thought that it was going to be. I miss my privacy immensely and just doing things when I feel like it. I plan a move to another state next spring/summer timeframe, but my housemate doesn’t know about it yet and I plan to tell her a couple of months before. I want to move closer to family. So, I will take each day as it comes and not get so wound up in the move, which will be a positive one. However, I’m nervous about letting my housemate know. She can be a condensing, superior person which irks me a lot, but I don’t say anything. With some people, you want to give them as little ammunition as you can. It’s not easy for my cat either. She’s been an only cat and one of my housemate’s huge males is always chasing her. Not good. So, in retrospect, this will not last forever.
Bruce says
Hi DR – I smiled when I read your comment because it sort of reminded me of a situation I was in nearly 40 years ago when I had just bought my first flat and I had a friend move in to help me with the mortgage payments (and because his current landlord was weird). He was a great flatmate but after a year I decided I preferred the flat to myself. I agonised for weeks to trying to get the courage to ask him to look for another place. I felt so guilty that I ended up asking acquaintances if they knew anyone who was looking for a flatmate – and guess what – one of the first I asked was! He stayed there for several years before moving to live in Sydney. All that wasted energy worrying about asking him to leave. I just love M & A’s newsletters btw.
DR says
Hi Bruce,
Thanks for sharing your experience. I enjoyed reading it. I’m glad that the situation with your former roommate worked out. I’ve agonized and it’s only been three months. Not for her, but for me because I like living on my own. I knew I had made a mistake within the first week. We were pretty good friends prior to house sharing. She’s a widow and I’m divorced. So, we thought it a win/win financially, pet setting and general company. I know that there are two sides to every story and somewhere in the middle is the truth and I’m looking at this from my own perspective. I my perspective, either she changed or her real personality popped out. I’m trying to be calm until I can make the move next year to another state to be closer to family.
Thanks again for sharing your experience. I appreciate it. It’s nice to know other people’s stories.
Take care!
DR
Stan says
I have been trying to be more patient and forgiving of others, and it seems that the result is that I have now given permission to them to break promises, be even more unreliable and take advantage of me. I’m not speaking of children. These are adults my age and even older. Not only do they feel I should accept their bad behavior, but they get upset with me for trying to get them to do what was promised. Sorry for the rant, but I am failing somewhere and I can’t figure out how to fix it. I’m feeling like a well worn doormat right now. Any other readers here experiencing something similar?
scott says
I really took something from your article above. Thank you for posting it. I have found myself not in a great place at the moment but your words have given me some comfort and hope that i might be able to find some happiness in my life. I really hope the “wrong choices bringing us to the right places” could be true for me. I will look out for your email newsletter. thank you and take care.
T. Smirh says
I love this article. It’s as if you were talking directly to me, about me and confirming that I know exactly what I’m doing regardless if anyone else can see the changes in me. I’ve had some major failures recently. I’m nearly 50 and yes at first I fell apart. But I realized that I am a strong enough person to start from scratch even at my age and am very excited about the endless possibilities that my future holds. I forgave…I realized how blessed I am and have a feeling of contentment about me that my grown stressed out children find annoying. Thank you for this article. It was my confirmation from heaven that I hadn’t even asked for.
sincerely,
T. Smith
Christine says
I like the beginning when you stated, “Let go of what you think your life is supposed to look like and sincerely appreciate it for everything that it is.” Also #8 and #10 really hit home for me. I have been looking for a new job for the last 7 months. In the meantime, my husband is self-employed and I do the book work for our business which has been on a very part time basis. This has allowed me to have a career/job of my own for the last 20+ years where I can make my own money and have not be totally dependent on only his income, but contribute. I thought I couldn’t live without a job and money of my own. Now things have changed. I’ve been pouting and feeling sorry for myself and frustrated that all the jobs I have interviewed for haven’t resulted in any offers. Yes, things HAVE changed in my life. It’s hard to embrace that change, but then I think to myself things can always be worse. Your comment stating “Eventually you’ll end up where you need to be, doing the right things, alongside the right people.” that statement gives me a feeling and sense of peace. I think…no, I KNOW where I need to be, but it’s going to take some getting used to. Thank you for the insight. I love reading your blogs, only wish I had read this earlier in my life. Your messages always come when I need them the most .
Lucas j Mowery says
This has really helped me as well because I know that I’m going to have to deal with some life changing decisions but in ways I have no idea where to begin I try my best to move forward and understand but sometimes I feel like I’m alone with this problem I have been trying really hard to accept life for what it is and be grateful for what I do have but I do know that if I had the right help things would go a lot easier for everyone including myself
Patricia Shark says
As always your emails keep giving me the strength to remain strong as I turn the pages to the next chapter in my journeys. And somehow it just gets better. Reminding me to release the past, forgiveness, patience and to remain in God hands and that I am never alone.
Jen says
Thanks to both Marc and Angel for sharing such amazing insights! And to all the respondents, who share their own ideas. I often find myself thinking about the comments and it helps me feel more connected when life makes me feel isolated.
Isabella Gaspardo says
aaaawww marc & angel… THANK YOU! I read all your mails, but this is exactly what I needed to read today – a “yes, don’t give up, you can do it” message and a fab reminder to enjoy the simple pleasures of everyday life in spite of adversity. you have no idea how useful and helpful your work is. blessings to you and your family <3.
Oliver Chapman says
Calmness as a superpower is my favourite here. I truly believe the ability to relax and just take a step back before you make a decision you later regret can be so powerful.
hanane says
there are many points that resonated with me such as:
– talk, walk, think, work like you are blessed
– the wrong choices can bring us to the right places
– keep living and making God glad that he gave life to someone who appreciate the gift…
thank you so much!
Greg says
Thank you Marc and Angel for another great post! I continue to read an excerpt from your book every day to start my day. But this blog post has particularly spoke to me and has taught me to take life as it comes and how it’s meant to be. I used to think life should be this organized, easy, journey. But, constantly I would get disappointed by events and people on a regular basis. I’m in the process of reprogramming my mind to accept life as it is…as an unpredictable mess at times! Your post has shown me that I’m actually at the right place and the right time, and I have been able to relax more. I also try not to spend time worrying about the things out of my control, and I try to concentrate more on that which is within my control and with myself. Thanks again for all you do!!
TD Mofokeng says
Thank you M&A for making me realize that there is nothing wrong with change and for witnessing that everything does get a bit uncomfortable when it’s time to change. I will always remind myself that I will never have to force anything that’s truly meant for me.
Thank you.
Reko says
I have no idea when or how I subscribed to your blog recently, to be honest, I haven’t read much “life advice” in the past year, but today as I was cleaning out my inbox something caught my eye. At first, my natural inclination was to delete this email but my gut told me to open it. So I did, inside was this short two paragraph nugget of inspiration, I decided I needed to read more. I was led to this blog post and boy did I make the right choice. Everything you mentioned, as much as I’ve heard it before, had a different way of hitting me today. I guess it’s where I am in my life, or the uncertainty I’m facing following my dream (I’m a actor / filmmaker), or the negative thoughts that have been creeping into my head as of recent. Nonetheless, I felt like a weight was lifted off my back after reading this post. Thank you so much for writing it, I needed these words of wisdom to help me realize how lucky I truly am, to focus on the possibilities, and to live with faith.
Kimberly bicket says
Make new friends. Set boundaries in relationships you can’t say goodbye to. Most of all be the person you want to attract into your life. Get off the merry go round and just move forward.
Patty says
Number Seven! Talk blessed, walk blessed, think blessed, work blessed and Eventually you will be ONE WAY OR ANOTHER! AMEN!
Thank you for your blog and your grace-filled wisdom… HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Elaine says
Happy New Year..always at the ‘Right’ Time Marc & Angel!
Your timely guidance always drops by to say “Hi” at big pivotal moments to steer me straight.
All of what you reference is absolutely, without a doubt the ingredients for a wonderful life! Isn’t that why we watch that movie over and over again, introduce it to our kids and revel in the message..Yes…Gratitude Hollywood style or looking up to the heavens and just saying “Thank You” for my life..is a perpetual Oscar performance…done daily as you point out..
And..for me the last paragraph about painting the wall any colour, singing in the car with the windows down and dancing…Hey..I do that already!! But only sometimes, somedays and the rest of the days I let my sabotaging mindset put a stop to this free spirit, this “nobody is watching” and shut it down with tightly wound perfectionism, “What would the neighbours think” attitude…another silent killer of leading a Full Life.
Thank you! You are worth every penny.
xo – Elaine in snowy Canada
Pete says
Simply BRILLIANT! As always you two. The comments from everyone are equally stimulating as I am inspired that everyone here is moved in their own special way. You both always keep it simple as I enjoy being present when reading your posts. That’s all we have – NOW with life! Stay well.
Luke Zitterkopf says
The words about not letting life be errands, receipts and someday thinking. I fall into the habit of living that way and realize the emptiness of such ways. Living with intentional actions and choosing where our energy goes is much more enjoyable! Thank you Angel for the message today!
Dante Eversley says
I thank you for this timely piece of perspective and advice. Blessings and Happy New Year.
Georgette N. Stevens says
Falling into old tired patterns is what I need to get rid of. My toxic habits have been blocking me from where I should be in this world and that is contentment.
Mahalo (thanks) for such wonderful insight into ourselves, myself, others…and the tools I need to empower the true me.
Aloha
John Barrett says
“Most people end up cheating on themselves and others, again and again, simply because they pay more attention to what they’re missing, rather than what they have”
Yep, that’s me to a tee. I work to improve myself, and I do well and make progress and then, bam, I let down my guard with myself, and the backslide begins. The cycle is wicked. If I could fix one and only one aspect of myself, this would be it.
Lisa T says
I loved “doubt your doubts before you doubt your hopes”. Simple little tidbit to keep at the forefront. Thanks for the great reminder!
Rebecca says
Thanks for sharing. Great reminders.
Maribel Yeap says
Totally random. But I just want to ask for your advice and perspective. Is it perfectly OK to work under / reports to a younger boss or manager (7 years younger to be precise) ? What if I say I’m feeling inferior, uneasy and uncomfortable because of my manager’s age? Is it silly to quit the job just because of this reason? I always think older age is equivalent to high in hierarchy. Am I normal to feel and think such?
Please help.
Lucas Mowery says
My opinion is as long as your manager dose the job that there appointed well then it really shouldn’t matter the age now if there not good at there job then I could understand not wanting to work under that person but age has no difference over intelligence or workmanship all that should really matter is the performance of the manager in my opinion anyway
Tracey Banks says
Thank you so much for this. At 55, as I finally sit down to begin my lifelong dream and start writing my business plan after the road from hell to get here, all of that just resonates so very true. No, i’m not where I want to be right now, but I have jumped and left my comfort zone, making all the right choices to reach the point I’m at. And for the first time in my life, I truly believe in me and my dreams. This will happen and by God the journey is going to be incredible … and I cannot WAIT to see the naysayers and doubters faces … just bring it on!!
Thankyou, I have followed you for years, you have been so helpful with your posts, when I really needed support. Take care and stay safe.
Miranda says
I’ve ticked off my new year resolutions to generally reflect a new different thought from what my goals were last year. Where my aims seem to collude with 2020’s, I discovered the prospects of my achieving it is more agreeable because I have started developing a positive attitude to projects.
I love that you have included this important lesson in your list, Marc and Angel.
Joie says
Thank you for this wonderful article. I am always looking forward for your email notification every week because I know I will learn something from it. Point #8 hit me. It reminds me that I do not have to force a blessing in my life. God always has the perfect timing. I have been through a lot. From a breakup, lost my father and my 2 dogs this year. I hit rock bottom but still God is faithful. I still thank God for the trials He allowed in my life as this really look at my life. I was always asking why did the Lord made me always sad but it was not God’s fault, it was my thoughts so all the pains and struggles I went through were the catalyst of my change. I am still a work in progress and I thank you Marc and Angel for your passion to help people through this site. Your articles always remind me that my past will not define what I can be in the future by being mindful of my thoughts, thinking better, living better.
Owen Malcolm says
Marc and Angel,
This post is so thoughtful! I haven’t been a reader of your blog for long, but everything I have read has been so intentional and thought provoking. I loved the idea in this post about “not letting yesterday cloud your vision”. I definitely want to keep that in mind this year.
I absolutely love self-improvement, and I decided that blogging is such a good way to solidify improvements. I’ve found if you don’t write about what you are working on (in anything) it is easy to lose sight of your end goal or give up.
I will definitely be reading more posts of yours and I love the content you are producing. Truly inspiring!
Best,
Owen Malcolm
Irene says
I love the afterthought, to live and make God glad that He gave life to someone who appreciates it. Oftentimes, I focus only on negativities, those that disappoint me to the point that ruins my day.
I’m happy I came across the afterthought as it’s going to be a reminder to me that while life has ups and downs, being alive is an opportunity itself, and with that I should be grateful to the Lord that He lets me experience it everyday.
Bryant Ambrosia says
Thank you so much and God bless you. This has been an eye-opener, although the advice to appreciate life the way it is, unburdened with our expectations of it, needs a little more digesting.
Emmanuel Worthwhile says
I enjoyed every bit of this article, so inspiring, i always receive your mail from this blog at the right time, thank you for a wonderful food for thought.