The mind is a powerful thing. When it comes to living a fulfilling life, the first step we can take is a change in our mindset. The past 12 months have taught me these three key things in life that I use as my pillars until today.

#1: “Life happens for you, not to you.”

Have you ever experienced something bad, challenging or tragic, and asked yourself “why is this happening to me?” When you shift your mindset to meaning rather than misery, you start opening your eyes to learnings instead of always looking for relief. Instead of wanting relief in a challenging moment, you’ll be more interested in asking yourself “What is this teaching me? What can I learn from this?” This way, you give your experience meaning by getting something out of it.

Remember that life is just a series of stories and the little things happening to you today will connect you to your future. Each event in your life is guiding you to where you are meant to be.

Life presents a series of lessons to us at every given moment, and it is up to you to decide whether you take it or you don’t.

#2: “Will power is less than self-love.”

Many people would assume that the key to a better life is to have strong willpower. The thoughts in our head tell us “If only I can exercise better self-control to quit junk foods or exercise more.”

The actual power of willpower is much less than that of self-love because if you love yourself, you will do whatever it takes. Self-love will always trump will power.

#3: “Goals are about the journey, not about the destination”

We’ve heard this saying before: “Success is about the journey, not the destination.”

If you are attached to your outcome and you fall short on what it is that you want to achieve, that’s where the suffering and disappointments will come. On the other hand, when you see your goal as a journey, it becomes easier to sustain the habits and actions you make to help you achieve your goal. Remember to set your goal but be flexible with the journey.

As you carry these three mindsets with you every day, remember that you make your own story, so why not make one that you love.

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RESOURCES

Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life - Byron Katie