That is an excellent way to fine-tune that point. Yes, if it came into our experience, then we helped create it.

I think one of the reasons why people have such a hard time grasping that concept is because there aren’t always straight lines that say “Since you did “x,” now “y” is going to happen.

It is rarely that black and white, and the power of our unseen state of mind also has a lot to do with it. Our state of mind “muscles” can be tested and strengthened just as our physical muscles can be, and the more we do so, the better able we will be to maintain a state of mind that is beneficial to us.

I may put a different spin on that, though. When we think of things happening “to us” then we are also in the blaming mentality. It’s more PC to say “If I experienced it, then I helped create it.”

My Mom died of brain cancer more than 17 years ago, and she was one of my best friends in all the world. I was one of the hardest hit by the experience, but to this day the lessons that I learned from it – to get up early every day and start enjoying your life and the people in it – power my very existence.

In that regard, I’m grateful for what the experience taught me, and I know that she would not have it any other way.

But, my family suffered a major tragedy a few years back. My mom was in the hospital for 9 months straight due to a severe brain injury. I can easily say that it was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go thru, but just like your post says… What is important is HOW YOU REACT in the face of tragedy.

It makes you stronger, it builds your character… As much as I hate that this ever happened to my mother, I am still able to find many, many positive things that have come out of this difficult situation. And in the end, it has made me a wiser, stronger and more compassionate person.

Great Post Aaron!

A lot of people will push back against the word “pain” because there is a common belief that life is effortless when we are truly in alignment with our desires. I agree with that 100%, but just like I said in this post, there is a difference between “easy” and “effortless”. Pain is sometimes still there, even when we are on Effortless Street!

Very glad that the post resonated with you, and you are right about walking a path even if it is a painful path to be on.

Sure it hurts at the time, but the knowledge that we gain from it can then be used to avoid that same pain in the future.

I think part of the trick is in recognizing those opportunities, however. Some people make the same mistake over and over again because the conditions are different, even though the core issue is the same.

It all boils down to being aware during life, rather than just going through the motions.

Thanks for sharing,
Evelyn

In Think and Grow Rich there is a story about a guy who was digging for gold, and although he put forth an incredible effort, he stopped short right before he hit a huge underground supply. He went back home broke and defeated, only to find out later that if he had stuck it out for just a little while longer, the rewards would have more than made up for the effort.

Life gives us many scenarios like that, and the only way that we know if we are about to strike gold is to keep working towards our goals, and not giving up – no matter how much we may want to!

I really like what you said about using our reasons as “anchors”. That is exactly what we need in life because the journey is rocky more times than it isn’t, so without being properly tied down we tend to easily lose direction and go off track.

Yes, we can modify those anchors during the journey – as you indicated – but without understanding the power of our anchors (and then using that power) – then they aren’t very useful to us.

To use the real-world version of an anchor, it isn’t very helpful to have an anchor on a boat if you never throw it overboard, ya know?

I think accepting that the road ahead might be rocky, is one of the first hurdles to overcome at the start of any new activity. As you suggest, there will be tough times, times when we want to throw in the towel.

That’s when having a clear idea as to why we are doing something is important. Working out your reasons before starting is the best way to improve the likelihood of success.

You mentioned that you have several goals you want to attain during your P90X program. Perhaps some of these were set out at the beginning, while others have developed as you’ve gone along.

Likewise, I know when I lost a load of weight, the key thing was taking the time beforehand to decide my motivation for doing it- was it for health reasons, self-confidence, was I doing it for myself?

Having these reasons worked out (written down is excellent) at the beginning served as anchors during the process when it would have been all too easy to give up.

Keeping focussed on these goals is key- the “light at the end of the tunnel” is a good motivator.

I hope you’re enjoying the program too!

I hear you! I like comfort as much as the next guy, but you’re absolutely right – comfort represents a lack of progress.

If we’re comfortable, that’s all well and good, but unless we get comfortable be uncomfortable, then it becomes all too easy to stagnate.

Should we stop and enjoy the spoils of our efforts? Absolutely! We just shouldn’t pitch a a tent there and hang out for too long.

However, I think the reason people fail to observe this balance is because they’re stuck, just like you said, in their comfort zone. That’s the trade off. If you want to progress, GET COMFORTABLE FEELING UNCOMFORTABLE!

Personally I’m beginning to hate my comfort zone because its stupid and does nothing but hold me back. I’d rather feel totally uncomfortable and progressing in life, than feel comfortable and be a complete standstill. But thats just me.