In life, I have found that it helps to always start from a place of strength. Strength in what you tell yourself—and strength in your approach. There is a vast difference between beginning a project with a point of timidity versus starting with a sense of calm and resolve.
It is true that you are only as strong as you believe yourself to be. Every occasion and experience is there to teach you something about yourself and others. Even when you make decisions that do not work out, you will commonly learn from them, as opposed to not learning from not taking any action at all. Keep trying, and you will come to where you need to be. If you do not accept defeat as a problem, you will find the success you sought out initially.
Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
—Mahatma Gandhi
Here are 3 simple ways to become stronger in your life
1. Believe that you are strong
That sounds simple enough, though it takes reminding if you have not given it much daily thought. Take the time to think about why and how you are strong. What have you overcome? What have you endured? What goals have you accomplished? Think of yourself at those moments and realize you are that person.
If you always put limit on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.
—Bruce Lee
2. Make smart decisions
Weak thinking can be eliminated by making decisions more quickly and thoughtfully. I am not saying to rush your decisions without thought, though do not take months mulling over if you should do something or not. Instead, think with your intuitive mind and feel what is right. Usually, that is the correct answer. You can always tweak and alter the path, but doing what needs to be done quicker rather than later will accelerate precise results. Strong decision making will also give way to a clear mind.
Instead of being unsure, understand that you know what you need to do—and trust in your wisdom. We all feel unsure from time to time, though work to not make it a habit if it is. Decide to tackle any anxieties or indecision—and make a new habit of deciding more quickly and assuredly.
By making faster decisions that are rooted in intuitive wisdom, you will, in turn, gain more self-confidence. It takes time, yes, but it is a compelling journey.
3. Don’t be scared to make a mistake
Strength comes in the notion of knowing that it is okay not always to know. Deciding and doing will get you where you need to be faster than if you never decide. Do not worry about the future or if the decision you make will hurt what you plan to do later. Know that the decision you make today will benefit your future if you are trusting in your inner wisdom. Decide what you need to do and take little steps, if necessary, to get going on the path.
Think about what you are doing and why you are doing it. Even if you trip up in the beginning, you will eventually find the way to get to where you want to be. Don’t worry about getting it wrong. Be more concerned with never starting.
Permanence, perseverance, and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.
—Thomas Carlyle
Know that you are responsible for your decisions, and if it is going to happen, it is up to you to give it your attempt. Keep trying and stay within a healthy mindset. Insist on keeping your enthusiasm level up. Care for it—and your vision. See that your path is strong, and it will be so. Enjoy the process too. Take an interest in the journey to strength. Once you exercise your personal power, you will see that it develops in all ways.
Do you want to be part of creating a kinder, more inclusive society?
Join like-minded individuals in The Good Men Project Community.
—Photo Credit: Flickr/Brett Curtiss