Have you ever limited how big you were willing to dream because of your race, gender, or perceived ability?

Or have you grown accustomed to phrases like, “People like us have to work twice as hard to create the same opportunity?”

This week’s mindset tip:
Don’t allow your internalized bias and negative beliefs to hinder your success.

“Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.”
– Soren Kierkegaard

Consider that the meaning attached to a memory can determine that memory’s impact on your life.

Yes, we are meaning making machines!

Many people walk around basing their present and future on the past. Of course, it is essential to learn from the past and reflect on your previous experiences; however, if you spend time focusing on the past, the future will be challenging to envision.

Simply put, you cannot move ahead and experience actual change while constantly focusing on history.

When you change the meaning and narrative of your past, you simultaneously change your present and future narrative. Our stories are continually evolving and changing based on our experiences. So, no, the facts about your past can’t change. But the story you choose to tell yourself about them absolutely can.

Unfortunately, most people are not strategic about the stories we tell ourselves.

Like many others, I was unaware of how the daily meaning-making process I unconsciously go through shapes my identity. As a result, when life events occurred, I created limiting stories based on the emotions I experienced and my biases and conditioning. It establishes a biased, restricted view of what is possible.

Your S. O. B. Story

Ok, keep it respectful. S.O.B. means Searching Out the Benefits Story.

A fundamental tool for reshaping your identity is reframing the past by shifting a formerly seen traumatic and damaging experience into a positive one. While difficult times can feel grueling and painful, we often grow during the most challenging times.

When tested, reframing the situation allows you to rise, push through, grow, and gain new insights. As a result, you emerge a strengthened, brave, and better version of yourself.

The truth is we will face various tough times in our lives. However, some of our most valuable lessons are only available during tough times. When we choose to navigate difficult moments, the lessons found in each challenge become the light to the darkness.

To overcome the past, we must realize that our beliefs filter our life experiences. We can use our life circumstances as stepping stones or stumbling blocks to our progress.

Three Feet From Gold!

Napoleon Hill once said most people attained their greatest success just one step beyond their biggest failure. Here are three steps to find the light during your darkest moments.

• Commit to viewing every dark hour as a setup for great days ahead.
• S.O.B.! Look for the benefits and lessons hidden in each dark moment. Rewrite the story!
• Recognize that darkness and adversity are necessary for you to become the person who can give life to a new vision. Darkness is an indicator that you are Three Feet From Gold.

We all have a choice. We can become a slave to our pains or conquer them head-on. Trauma does not have to be the thing that defines your life. Instead, look at life’s setbacks as opportunities to test yourself, find your strength, and become stronger.

Embrace the test of fire and rise again into a new version of yourself.

Blessings,

Suzan
Your Fellow Super Achiever