Mikes Blog

How you respond
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The results you achieve do not come from the situation. Your results are determined by how you respond to the situation.

From identical circumstances, two different people can achieve two vastly different results. The outcomes are not based on what they’re given, but on what they do with it.

If the results you’re getting are not the results you desire, stop looking for someone or something to blame. Instead, open yourself to possibilities you have not yet considered.

View everything that happens through the filter of your most positive and compelling purpose. Adopt a perspective that illuminates new, powerful possibilities.

The world around you is constantly changing. There is always a way to harness the energy of the ever-changing landscape to suit a worthy purpose.

Look closely at the situation in which you find yourself. Then step forward with confidence and gratitude, making something beautiful, valuable and meaningful out of it all.

— Ralph Marston

Challenges you choose
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There is no overwhelming need or financial incentive for people to climb mountains. Yet plenty of people do so, and often pay handsomely for the opportunity.

That’s because challenge itself has value that’s independent of having the challenge met. There’s much more gained from ascending a mountain than just standing at the top.

Challenges are enticing even when they’re not particularly daring or adventurous. For example, the worldwide market for puzzles and games of logic is valued at about twelve billion dollars.

Life is filled with challenges you don’t choose. An excellent way to equip yourself for them is with challenges you do choose.

Just the act of deciding to subject yourself to challenge will give you increased confidence. By working your way through that challenge, you boost your confidence even more.

The challenges you choose will positively impact your skills, your sense of purpose, your resourcefulness, and many other qualities. Challenge yourself often, adding strength, effectiveness, resilience, and wisdom each time you do.

— Ralph Marston

Choose enrichment
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Life is good. Make it better.

Some activities are truly enriching, while others are merely comfortable, habitual, or downright destructive. Take note of which is which, and choose enrichment as much as you can.

The opportunities for enrichment are everywhere, in challenges as well as pleasures, in difficulties as well as joys. And every time life is enriched, more enriching possibilities emerge.

Plus, when you act to enrich the lives of others your own life becomes richer as well. The more enrichment you spread around, the more everyone has, including you.

Is your current direction providing meaningful enrichment in your world? If so, keep on going strong, and if not, look for how you can change course.

Whatever your past, whatever your situation, today is a day for enrichment. Go ahead and make it happen.

— Ralph Marston

Do it one better
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Accept what is, accept what comes. Then do it one better.

You’re not going to fix all that’s wrong in the world. Yet you can constantly improve yourself and many of the things around you.

If everything was already perfect you’d have nothing useful to do. Embrace the imperfection along with the good work it calls you to take on.

Proceed under whatever conditions exist. Discover that each day offers plenty of opportunities to thrive, to experience fulfillment.

Present yourself as a willing participant in each moment as it unfolds. Notice your eagerness to do the good you can do.

Whether you encounter ups or downs, joys or disappointments, always be willing and able to respond in a positive manner. Take what is, and do it one better.

— Ralph Marston