Fit for Life: 2020, Is That All You Got?

Saturday, January 02, 2021

Matt Espeut, Health + Lifestyle Contributor

 

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Do you ever feel like we are put on this earth to be tested?

2020 certainly was a test.

Let’s face it, life isn’t easy under normal circumstances, and the faster we realize that the faster we can focus on problem solving, and creating solutions as opposed to dwelling on the negative instances that will happen to us.

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We will NEVER be in a position when life is perfect. Ever!!

Yes, there are instances when we go through something that gets off without a hitch, but not very often, and when you look behind the scenes of something that seemed perfect, it usually isn’t.

We have been tested since the beginning of time.

From trying to outrun predators, battling the British in the snow, fighting wars, diseases, the elements, and dealing with adversity, character tests are a big part of human life. Now we are faced with a worldwide pandemic.

The fact of the matter is, it takes a lot of emotional discipline to be able to pass life’s daily tests without having a breakdown, or becoming over reactive towards situations, and acting irrationally.

Along with you, I have had my share of being tested last year, and it took a lot of self-talk, emotional discipline, hope and hard work to be sitting here writing this article with most of my sanity still intact.

 

Three Scenarios

I learned from my Navy Seal friend to look at every situation through 3 lenses.

Best, average and worst-case scenario.

When we get tested, or face a situation, there is usually more than one outcome that can happen, so look at the best possible option, than look at the worst thing that can happen, and you will usually find a way to figure things out without stressing over it or experiencing a feeling of negativity or fear.

Remember to control the things in your life that you can, learn how to deal with the things that you can’t and look at the bright side of every scenario, because when you do, you will be living a life with less stress, anxiety and negative energy.

If you complain about the weather, gossip about other people, watch the news, complain about your job, or get excessively angry when things don’t go your way, you are failing the tests in life that come your way.

It’s not until you can deal with these things without feelings of anger and negativity that you will start passing life’s tests.

Keep in mind that when we pass the tests, and deal with all the adversity and less than perfect situations we will encounter, is when we start to get stronger and more resilient.

We take tests in school to get smarter. We test ourselves in the gym to get physically stronger, and we need to mentally accept life tests in order to strengthen our emotional discipline.

 

"You Didn't Knock Me Out"

So, in conclusion, it’s mandatory to use tests as a way to grow and get smarter and stronger.

As with everything, it takes work, and consistency to develop habits that will help us deal with all the tests life will throw our way.

We need to be constantly reading and working on our emotional discipline in order to change our thought processes.

If you are willing to hold yourself accountable, do the work, and change your thought process, you will have an easier time dealing with adversity and passing life’s tests.

Like Jake LaMotta said in Raging Bull to Sugar Ray Robinson..."You may of won this fight Ray, but I’m still standing. You didn't knock me out Ray"

 

Hopefully 2020 didn't knock you out either.

 

Committed to your success,

Matt

 

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