Keith JonesApril 22, 2016

I absolutely love personal development work because it empowers everyone who commits themselves to it. It doesn’t matter what your life circumstances are. If you use the tools that come with doing personal growth, you will improve your situation. You will see new and positive beginnings, rather than sad endings when life seems difficult. The only caveat is you have to use the tools.

Throughout my life, I’ve faced challenges that could have broken me. In truth, some did. But others didn’t because of two reasons. First, I kept doing the things that were making me strong mentally and physically. I maintained a positive attitude by practicing what I learned from listening to motivational speakers and life coaches. The concepts they introduced helped me to see possibilities and opportunities in every challenge. And I continued exercising and eating healthy during. It amazes me that this is often the first thing people stop doing when times get tough. I knew this would only make things worse down the road. I understood early how important it was that I stayed healthy and fit if I was going to come out better on the other side of the situation. The second biggest factor in thriving during struggles is my friends. They provided support that was unconditional, strong and enduring. There’s no way I could’ve made it through without them. As committed as I was to staying positive, negative thoughts occasionally seeped in. My friends were there to help me replace them with positive affirmations. I smile when I think of how loving they are to me.

We all experience ups and downs. How you fare during and after the downs depends on your mindset. You can make it through any situation and be stronger for it if follow these 3 tips:

1. Work on your mindset by doing personal growth exercises. Choose a motivational speaker, author or leader who resonates you. Read or listen to them daily. This is exercise for the mind. You want being kind, seeing the good in others and sunshine in gray skies to become second nature. This comes with practice.

2. Surround yourself with positive people who you can share your situation with without fear of judgment. These people can be anchor for you and a safe place to be vulnerable.

3.  Repeat one and two over and over again for life.

Life is good. If you don’t feel that way, it’s not life who has it wrong. It’s you. Shift your mindset. Be positive and an optimist. One of my favorite new quotes is: “It’s the end of the world”, said the caterpillar. “It’s just the beginning”, said the butterfly. Be the butterfly!

Stronger Mindset,

Keith