This message isn’t as positive or motivating or enthusiastic as normal just because it’s a hard truth. And the way it was articulated is very compelling. The clip comes from one of Australia’s leading business strategists Kerwin Rae.

Stress can be managed and controlled with the right framework. Take a deep breath, focus on the elements you can control, and be mindful of the moment.

“Do what you can, where you are, with what you have”. All we can do is make the best out of our situation. Our successes, struggles, challenges, and opportunities are always relative to our context, and a lot of our context is determined by things beyond our control. Our responsibility is to make the most of what we have to find meaning and purpose in our lives. And I am comfortable looping you into that generalization because, the very fact that you’re listening to this means that you are motivated to seek the best for yourself.  The great Tony Robbins stated,“The defining factor for success is never resources, it’s resourcefulness”, and that’s exactly what today’s quote embodies.

We can get in a deprecating cycle of not finding satisfaction in our success because we play the comparison game. There’s always greener grass in someone else’s front yard. As a podcaster I am faced with comparing myself to the elite and massive podcasts that are out there. However, I always try to bring myself back and trust that I am making the best of the platform I have by impacting people like you who have chosen to include me in your lives. “I feel like I am doing what I can, where I am, with what I have”.

That’s not to say we can’t be ambitious. By doing absolutely everything we can, we leverage our resourcefulness to accomplish more within our context. So don’t be afraid to set audacious goals, but be sure to reward yourself for doing a good job using what you’ve got.  

Part of our evolution as humans is we began using the tools to help us with our survival. Back then, the tools took the form of sticks, stones, and fire. Today, we are the same fundamentally, but we have a whole suite of tools at our disposal now to use for our survival. 

Perspective is such an important part of our world because it plays a role in everything we do. When we relate to others, we judge their behavior through our own eyes. When we try to come up with a solution, we evaluate it’s viability with our own experience. And when we see something in front of us, we believe that’s the only way it can exists and draw major conclusions off of that information. A powerful example I’ve mentioned before is the shadow a cylinder gives off. With different configurations of light positioning and orientation, a cylinder can have a shadow that looks like both a rectangle and a circle. And the crazy part is, neither answer is wrong. That is the nature of perspective.

What is fascinating is how we can augment our own perspective to become better at seeing other perspectives. This requires gaining self awareness about the tendencies you have when processing information, and understanding that the information you are working with is limited and might not tell the full story.  In doing that, we can begin to change the narrative of our life a little bit.

This may be an extreme example, but it’s something I think adds value. Think of the act of getting fired. You likely were underperforming at work, and something wasn’t the right fit, so your company decided to cut their losses and let you go. Okay, but what if you think about this as getting paid to leave. The result is the same, but instead of internalizing the error you use it as a vehicle to take next steps and spin the change in employment as a positive thing. This is the power of perspective, and understanding that your perspective is limited to your own eyes is an extremely important piece to becoming more effective in life

We heard from pitch expert and author The 3 Minute Rule, Brant Pinvidic, who has an unpopular but common opinion about sales. He doesn’t just state the problem, he provides a solution to it.

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What Brant is referencing in this bit is the importance of leading the conversation to a buying decision instead of proving value. The way he does that is by using his WHAC method, where you conceptualize the idea, contextualize the feasibility, and actualize the next steps. This helps optimize the message for an autonomous evaluation, having simply and stated all of the important information that goes into the decision making process.

I read a great article called “How to keep productivity high when motivation is low”, by Haley Hoffman Smith and I wanted to share the highlights. Whether we’re not making as much progress on something as we expected, or we don’t feel creative and we’re running short on ideas, motivation escapes us all but it’s important to still be able to get the work done in those moments. 

Haley suggested a 4 step program to stay productive when low on motivation

1. Create a to-do lists when energized. Use the focus and energy you have to create accountability for when you don’t have the energy. She even shares a tactic about writing a note to yourself on that list, so when you look at it in a low motivation state, you are reminded of your intentions and reasons for doing it.

2. Work with a coach or accountability partner. Accountability is a big word for me. I have the self-awareness to know that I am at my best when I need to answer to other people. I imagine you might be the same.

3. Eliminate Distractions. Nir Eyal, author of the book we’ve talked at length about, Indistractable. A reminder about the tactic we can all use to eliminate distraction, time-boxing. Schedule what you want to do in your day so that you know when you’re off task and distracted.

4. Switch up the workspace. Sometimes you just need a change of scenery to jump-start your work flow. Or, visit places you know are designated for work. For me, that’s the desk in my room, I only go there when it’s time to get after it.

In sum, Haley Hoffman Smith stated, “Motivation is often hard to pin down, ever-changing and available at some periods of our lives more than others. Each season of our life serves a purpose. If you need rest and reflection more than you need to be productive, honor yourself. You may return to your work more productive than ever”.

Monday, we started off being thankful for our health. The reality is, the baseline functions of our bodies is something we should appreciate because not everyone has it. The fact that we can go through life, in minimal pain, and full autonomy is a special gift.

Tuesday, we were thankful for our comfort. The roof over our head, the clothes on our back, the water in our faucet, these basic amenities are so pivotal to our livelihood and we don’t think about how lucky we are to have these utilities. In these early winter months I have definitely have started appreciating a cozy warm bed.

Wednesday, we were thankful for our freedom. Our ability to make our own decisions, express ourselves as we see necessary, and enjoy independence is a privilege that generations of people have sacrificed for. Being mindful of the freedom we have, and understanding the cost and alternatives that exist, help me to truly be grateful for the freedom I have in my life.

Thursday, was Thanksgiving, and I was so grateful for the people in my life. I got to enjoy time with my mom, grandmother, brother, nephew sister-in law, and extended family. I received a lot of great messages and shared many of my own, just out of appreciation for the role we play in others lives. Thanksgiving is becoming one of my favorite holidays because it gives you an excuse to tell so many people that you love and care.

Friday, we finished with freedom for opportunity. Our lives are in progress, and it’s so exciting to think about our futures and everything we are yet to experience. I have faith that the perfect path is laying out before me, and I can’t wait to walk in those steps. I am grateful that every new day represents new opportunities, making life always a joy to experience.

I am thankful that my work is in progress and that the best things I will ever do are still to come. I have a future that will unfold so perfectly for me, and I can’t wait to see what life has in store. In my life, I am going to meet my kids, strengthen my relationships, amplify my impact, feel new emotions, and see new sights. It is amazing to think about the unknown and the undiscovered.

I am grateful that I have the foresight to consider that. Like what will I be doing on August 14th, 2031? I can’t wait to find out! And the fact that it’s all going to be a big surprise until it happens makes life that much more interesting.

I choose to see life as abundant, where there is no limit to opportunity or access to resources in the world. I am so thankful that there is more than enough for all of us  that we can work together to lift each other up and accomplish more.

If you find yourself in a bottleneck, or struggling in some area, find solace that the answer is always out there. If you don’t see it yet you’ll come to appreciate it too.

What do I appreciate? The abundance and opportunity there is in this world. 

Happy Thanksgiving! It’s a day dedicated to enjoying time with loved ones, reflecting on memories, and going back to your roots. And that’s why I wanted to save what I am most grateful for, for today.

What do I appreciate? I appreciate the people in my life, because it wouldn’t nearly as enjoyable without them.

First, my I am thankful for my family, my mom and her commitment to others, my dad and his support and guidance. I am also thankful for my brother and the example he sets for me, my grandma and her inspiration, as well as my nephew, my sister in law, and her family. I know that family just means you share some of the same genes and I won the lottery having them implanted by default in my life.  

I am grateful for my partner Irene. She makes me feel like the most special person in the world, because she is always brightening my day with her infectious smile, and abundance of energy and unconditional acceptance.

I am also grateful for my friends. The fun they add to my life while encouraging me to accomplish more and be better. They are both the worst and best thing that ever happened to you by keeping you up too late, talking a little too loud, but helping you to live more.

When it comes down to it, I believe that the best things in life are better when shared with others, and I am so grateful for my little pod of people who add so much to my life. Who are you grateful for in your life?

I am grateful for the freedom I have in the United States of America, and the generations of heroes who have put everything on the line for me. I have the freedom to form my own opinions and share my perspective. I have the freedom to stand up for what I believe in. There are people in this world who aren’t allowed to express themselves without consequence, and I am grateful that I exist in a free world.

I am grateful for my personal freedom. I get to make decisions on what I think is best for my family and I like where I spend my money, how I spend my time, and what I want to do. And while people might disagree with my decisions, or feel like they are misguided, they are mine to make. I choose the future of my life, and that’s a special privilege to have.

And last, I am free from my own self-induced limitations. It has taken a lot of hard work, but I have overcome the limiting beliefs that stifled my ambition. I can dare to dream without taking the voice of my inner critic too seriously, and can step into a life with purpose and meaning. I get to pursue personal growth because I am allowing myself to be free in my own head space. This type of freedom takes time and I am only partly on my way. You are capable of it too if you so choose to prioritize it.

I am so thankful for my freedom. How about you?