Dare To Live Without Limits

By: 
Bryan Golden

Weighing the impact of internal vs. external factors

In life you have to deal with both external and internal factors. External factors include other people, the economy, the weather, social issues, politics, and technology. Internal factors include attitude, mindset, self-talk, and emotions.
For the most part, you have little or no influence on the external factors. You do however have a lot of control over your internal factors. So, let go of what’s outside of your influence and concentrate on where it makes a difference.
When faced with a challenge, first determine if you are dealing with external or internal factors. When encountering an external challenge, you can either react or respond to it. A reaction is knee jerk, automatic, and without planning.
So, if someone yells at you, you are likely to yell back. When you are used to reacting, you are often caught off guard and act or speak without thinking.
A constant external challenge is having to deal with difficult people. Just because someone acts, you are not obligated to react. Prepare to respond by visualizing the actions of difficult people and then picture yourself responding calmly, or ignoring them completely.
Although the economy is completely out of your control, you determine your response. Even during the most challenging economic circumstances throughout history, there were numerous people who did well financially.
These people were on the constant lookout for opportunity while the large majority saw only problems and despair. Economic success is linked to solving other people’s problems by offering products and/or services they want or need.
The weather is beyond your control but you can prepare for it by planning ahead. Don’t wait for an emergency to get the resources you need to survive adverse conditions. Weather forecasting usually predicts extreme weather several days in advance.
Politics, social issues, trends, and fads occur without your input. Reduce your stress by associating with those who share your views. Don’t get offended by what others say, think, or do. Stop watching reading, or listening to information you find upsetting.
Stand up and speak out for those issues you believe in. You may not change others’ opinions but you don’t have to subjugate yourself to viewpoints you oppose. Don’t waste time arguing with people who are close minded.
Technology is always evolving, even appearing overwhelming. Technology is just a tool. You don’t have to keep up with everything. Focus on whatever technology you can use to make your life simpler. Human skills such as the ability to read, write clearly, and effectively communicate are more important than technology. Being able to effectively function in society is much more significant than the technology you can use.
Your internal factors are essential for dealing effectively with the external world. A positive attitude enables you to formulate the most effective response to the external factors you encounter.
A positive attitude helps you find solutions instead of becoming mired in problems. This mindset prevents you from getting enmeshed in a negative whirlpool of emotions. Your attitude is key to making circumstances more manageable.
Your mind believes what you tell it. Positive self-talk programs your mind with all that is possible. You can only accomplish what you think you can. If you believe something is possible, you are right. Conversely, if you believe something is impossible, you are also right.
Being in touch with your emotions is essential for your well-being. You should understand how you feel and why. If you are unhappy with your emotional state, you can change your response to external circumstances, or make positive changes to your path.
Happiness is enhanced through appropriate responses to external factors while maintaining positive internal factors. Taking responsibility for your life is much more effective than making excuses or blaming other people or circumstances.

NOW AVAILABLE: "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper.  2022 Bryan Golden

Category:

The Press

The Press
1550 Woodville Road
Millbury, OH 43447

(419) 836-2221

Email Us

Facebook Twitter

Ohio News Media Association