The One Hundred

So it's my 100-post today...what do you say for the 100 that hasn't already been said.

The book The Road Less Travelled began with this line 'Life is difficult'. I was immediately taken with this book cos it spoke of the truth. It said things that should be said. It's my kind of book.

I read an article recently that began with 'Life is difficult and setbacks are common in the great game of life. It was an enlightening read. It focus on the need to continuously strive to be positive in the wake of challenges you face.

Every person has a choice about the attitude he/she brings to his/her day and the action he/she takes.

The article mentions tips that can help you claim your optimism back from any setbacks.

1) Appreciate the healing power of time
One of my favourite quotes is: "This too shall pass". Don't underestimate our power of recuperation from emotional trauma. We might not be able to forget a bad experience but we can always look back with a calmer perspective which only time can provide.

2) Check fears against the facts
It's interesting to note that optimism can be learned. And it's something that everyone should be taught. Try using impersonal facts to maintain a reality-based perspective.

3) Seize the day as a survivor
I learned that as long as I was alive, I always had options. Survivors make the best of the options they have while victims whine about how few they have. There is never nothing you can do; the only question is whether a given action will work and if committed action is worth the investment of the time required to achieve the desired results.

4) Control what you can
You can't control all events that happen, but you can learn how to control your responses to events. You don't control the cards you are dealt in life, but you can learn how to play even a poor hand well. Appreciate the words: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference".
Get busy changing what you can - starting with your own attitude.

5) Move from analysis paralysis into action
Learn to cultivate sense of adventure that searches for and takes advantage of every opportunity. Failure to act doesn't prevent failure, it just turns life into slow death.

6) Master strategic skills you need to prepare for the future
The age of lifelong employment is over. You become an old dog when you stop doing new and improved tricks.

7) Be effective
We are tougher on ourselves than on any other person. Instead of taking yourself for granted, love yourself the way you care about others. Don't forget your little success, write down one success every day.

8) See mistakes as valued lessons
Learn to use self-criticism as a course correction feedback on the road to success. Identify what was done wrong, but put your focus on the future.

Final thought for my 100th post: Optimists hope for more but are not deterred by less.