Bad days ≠ bad life

My son is in middle school. It’s an awkward stage of life and some days are good and some days are not so good. When I pick him up from school, we talk about how his day was, and on the days that were not so good I try to remind him not to let the bad days trick him into thinking that he has a bad life. It's easy to let negative experiences overshadow our overall perception of life, but it's crucial to maintain a broader perspective.

Sometimes we give negative experiences more gravity than they deserve. Consciously choosing to focus on the positive aspects of life, reframing challenges as opportunities, and nurturing an optimistic outlook helps us to reframe our world into what it really is – a tapestry of amazing experiences with days full of possibility and potential.

Diminishing the bad

Instead of merely trying to diminish the bad, it's important to adopt a holistic approach to life. Set meaningful goals, cultivate positive habits, nurture healthy relationships, pursue personal passions, and embrace new experiences. By doing so, you can create a life that goes beyond just averting negativity and instead endeavors for genuine happiness and fulfillment.

Focusing on personal growth and striving for excellence doesn't mean disregarding the negative aspects of life altogether. It means developing resilience and learning from challenges, setbacks, and failures. It's about finding a balance between acknowledging and addressing the difficulties while also actively seeking out positive opportunities for growth and happiness.

Striving for the average

Shawn Achor, in his book The Happiness Advantage says that, “as a society, we know very well how to be unwell and miserable and so little about how to thrive.” Working to attain the average can limit our potential and prevent us from reaching greater heights. When we settle for mediocrity, we can become complacent, stagnant, and miss out on opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

By striving for excellence and refusing to settle for average, we open ourselves up to a better life. It requires intentional effort, self-belief, and a willingness to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come our way. This path involves continuous growth, learning, and working to become the best version of yourself.

Spend your mental energy wisely

Shawn Achor says in his book The Happiness Advantage that, “what we spend our time and mental energy focusing on can indeed become our reality.” Our beliefs and expectations can become self-fulfilling prophecies. When we believe in our abilities, focus on positive outcomes, and visualize success, we increase the likelihood of achieving those outcomes. Our mental focus and energy can influence our actions, behaviors, and outcomes, thereby shaping our reality.

Life is full of ups and downs. Everyone experiences setbacks, challenges, and moments of disappointment. However, it's important to recognize that these moments don't define the entirety of our existence. The good days, joyful experiences, and achievements contribute to having a fulfilling life.

Plan your life on purpose. This requires self-reflection, adaptation, and the courage to pursue what truly matters to you. By taking deliberate action and becoming the hero of your own story, you can create a life that is meaningful and aligned with your authentic self.