THE POWER OF 5

I love to share some simple but very important personal experiences. How we ultimately handle life's challenges, from everyday irritations to more complex issues, can mean the difference between success and failure, contentment or misery. It is said that how we experience life is ten percent what happens to us and 90 percent is how we react to it. So it's important to do things that help you grow and keep you moving toward your mission and purpose in life EVERY DAY.

Life isn't always a level playing field---sometimes we get hit by a curveball and it feels like an uphill battle. Things just happen that are out of our control. Whether it's a minor aggravation or a serious problem, we naturally react by getting upset, frustrated or angry. It happens to all of us. It can be difficult to let go of the negative emotions and not get completely derailed, causing us to lose our focus and sense of direction. 

HABITS MAKE US AND HABITS BREAK US. So I've developed five powerful habits that keep me focused on moving in the right direction EVERY DAY. They are:

1. THE 5 MINUTE RULE

When you find yourself upset, frustrated or angry about a problem or something you can't control, give yourself five minutes to whine and complain, then GET MOVING. It takes more energy to keep focusing on the problem, than it does to think about a solution. Don't waste your valuable energy. Instead, use that energy to pick yourself up and find a solution.  KEEP MOVING FORWARD.

2. THE RULE OF 5

Morning rituals can change lives. I call them 'miracle mornings.' When you make sure you do things EVERY DAY, those things become habits which give you a sense of direction and keep you on track. One of the best habits I learned from my mentors is consistency. Consistency leads to dedication, and dedication leads to habits. 

EVERY MORNING I have five things I do without fail:

I think, reflect and pray. I read. I write and create. I connect. I inspire.

Your five habits may be different, which is fine. What's important is finding what works for you and doing it EVERY DAY. The key is the consistency. When you start your day with a clear focus and sense of direction, you are prepared for whatever challenges come your way. Consistency creates clarity and success.

3. THE 5 SECOND RULE

When something throws you off, or you feel yourself hesitating before doing something difficult you have to do, count backwards from 5, then TAKE ACTION. Pausing to count 5-4-3-2-1, gives you just enough time to think about your reaction and limit impulsive behavior. It helps you create a balance between logic and emotion. It eliminates impulsiveness.

4. THE 5X RULE 

There is never only one way to solve a problem. There are many different ways to solve a problem. Looking for different solutions helps you develop critical thinking and teaches you to think outside the box. After examining your five solutions, pick the one that is the best, not just the easiest. Taking the easy way out is naturally tempting, but not always the most productive. Be willing to do what you know you need to do to solve the problem to get the best result and get back on track.

5. THE 5 PEOPLE RULE

It is said that we become the average of the five people we spend the most time with. So, choose carefully. There are people who 'increase' you by adding value to your life and challenging you to be the best you can be. Other people 'decrease' you

and discourage you, due to their own jealousy or other issues. Some people will 'divide' you because they are narrow minded and want you to think and feel the way they do. Spend your time with people who encourage you to better yourself, challenge you to grow, realize your dreams and reach new heights. Be aware of how people make you feel and be mindful of who you are spending time with. Sometimes we must change the people in our life to continue to grow.

The fact is, life has simple rules and we make it complicated. We set aside time to sleep, to exercise, to party, to work-but how much time do we set aside to think? If you CONSISTENTLY stay focused on the above and think, you will see results in just next 90 days LIKE NEVER BEFORE in your life. Your attitudes will change, your gratitude will increase and you will reach new altitudes in your life. 

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