KEV!NOU // BLOG « KEV!NOU
Stuck in a rut? 5 ways to propel your life forward.
Are you at a place in life where nothing appears to be moving? Worse still, does the situation appear to be getting darker with every passing moment? Or perhaps, you are at a crossroad where every possible option appears to be simply just a choice between a step towards the devil or the deep blue sea?
The great poet Robert Frost penned the beautiful poem “The Road Not Taken”. In the final few stanzas he wrote:
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
Many times, all it takes is a change in mindset that will propel us to sweet success. Below are some perspectives in which a change, in any of the 5, may lead you to better outcomes.
1. COURAGE
We all recognize acts of courage when we see them. Our spirit cheers in acknowledgement. While we can recognize it, performing it may be a different matter altogether. You see, acts of courage require us to dig deep and, very often, do something which we may not be comfortable with. Acts of valor require us not only to hold on to the cup that is entrusted to us, but to also run with it until we reach the finishing line.
Many try to find courage by introspection and often deemed themselves as not valiant enough and unworthy of being a champion in life. But maybe it is because the answer is not from looking inward; but rather to look at what you have at the very present moment, and consider how you can change the situation for the better; day by day, bit by bit.
2. RESPONSIBILITY
To propel our lives forward requires us to accept a daunting truth. And that is no one is responsible for our life except us. The term “responsibility” can be broken up into 2 words “response” and “ability”. With any given situation, we all have the responsibility to “respond” with the very best “ability that we have.
In other words, in order to propel our lives forward, you have to live in the here and now. Past mistakes are regrettable but they are over! Move on! Future fears are nothing more than figments of imagination until they come to pass… which may not even happen! Just because you made a mistake in the past does not mean you will do it again. You have the ability to prepare and respond in a better manner… and therefore expect a much better outcome!
3. APPRECIATION
“What you appreciate, APPRECIATES – Anon”. Similarly, what you depreciate, DEPRECIATES. What do you hold dear? What do you constantly think about? Is it your family, or your business, or your job or other relationships? More importantly, in what manner are you thinking of such things?
4. TEACHABILITY
Sometimes, downtime may be an excellent time to reflect, re-strategize and to plan in expectation for a bigger and better harvest. In these circumstances, often the key factor in turning these downtimes into opportunities for us to emerge stronger is to have a teachable spirit.
Ask yourself these questions. Am I open to other people’s ideas? Am I able to accept my error when pointed out? Am I willing to show a temporary period of ignorance to gain a deeper understanding?
5. HOPE
Think big and reach out for your star! Draw, aim and shoot at a goal which, while it should not be impossible, should be within stretch targets. Push yourself! You will be surprised with the hidden potential you have!
Zig Ziglar said, “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude”. Your attitude in any situation or problem will directly determine how well you fare in it. Hold on to that positivity and hope! At the end of the day, that may be all it takes to turn that flickering flame from afar into your flaming glory in the not so distant future!
This article was specially written by, Dr Darren Chua. Darren grew up in sunny Singapore, where I lived many years ago. He was trained as a doctor (MBBS Singapore) and a researcher (MSc Singapore) plus he is a Certified Behaviour and Career Consultant (CBCC). His initial dream of becoming a brilliant neurosurgeon was burnt when he was faced with a near fatal stroke at a tender age of 24. Now, he is on a mission to share a story of hope and courage!
He has been awarded Young Outstanding Singaporean 2011 for Personal Development as well as Successful Entrepreneur 2011.
Darren is a motivational speaker, social entrepreneur, mindset coach and an educator. He runs a few successful businesses including DC Motivation and Potter’s Clay Education. He can be reached at http://www.dcmotivation.com
