Seth Saunders Inspirational, Learning, Value

Inner Strength-Part 6

Press forward with determination

I absolutely love this quote by the great coach and legend Vince Lombardi, “the difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.”

As you ponder those words, you cannot help but feel the power of determination. We are all going face challenges and setbacks in our life. For those that find the inner strength and determination to press forward, they will see great blessings enter their life.

As you look at those people you admire most, I would venture a guess that one of the characteristics they have is determination. They are successful in some way and that success did not come easy. They had to apply themselves, work hard and do the things that that would lead them to their goals. It is that determination to act and make it happen that sets them apart.

You deserve to find that determination and then make great things happen. A hero never sits around waiting for someone else to get things done. A hero never sits around and gives up when the road gets bumpy. A hero takes a determined attitude, sets the course then presses forward to make great things happen. That is one of the keys to building and maintaining inner strength.

Be a hero today.

Seth Saunders Inspirational, Learning, Value

Inner Strength-Part 4

When I talk about “Inner Strength” I am referring to a combination of mental, emotional and spiritual strength. Each of these play such an integral part of making up how we feel, the decisions we make and the outcomes we achieve. These strengths are developed and strengthened based on our values. To define values in a simple way, they are those beliefs that guide our thoughts and actions. They define who we are and what we stand for. Understanding our values at the core of developing Inner Strength.

The key is to find values that you believe in and know that no matter what, you can maintain through any situation.

  • Values are one of the most important things that we carry with us throughout our life. They are what truly define us. The best part about values is that each person defines them for themselves. The problem comes when people allow for their values to be influenced in a negative way. We have seen many examples of what happens when people, leaders and organizations let their values slip.
  • Defining your values will be one of the most important things you will ever do. You need to take a deep look into your inner self to know what it is you stand for. Then, you must be sure that those values are immovable. You must stay true to them no matter what the situation is. This can be hard and there are going to be times when your values are challenged. Inner strength comes when you overcome the temptation to put your values aside. You become stronger each time you keep your values intact. Whether you know it or not, people are watching to see who you are based on your decisions. It won’t really matter what you say if are not true to who you are.
  • Don’t let the world define your values. This may sound like common sense but look at how much social media influences you, me and all those around us. Are you clicking the “Like” button because others who are popular clicked it? Are you posting things you have no interest in but know it will cause contention, pain and other negative emotions? How would people define you based on your social media presence? When you have defined your values, then live them. This is especially true when using technology. Let others see this and not some fake or “other you.” You control this and it starts with knowing your values.

    • So don’t compromise, be strong, be true. When you have strong values, you can provide true value and that is when you will see noticeable improvement in your Inner Strength.

    You are a hero!

    How are you going to develop values that can withstand any storm?

    Seth Saunders Leadership

    Join the I Quit Movement

    I Quit!

    That’s right, I quit, and here’s why.

    Because…

    • True happiness is worth it
    • Anxiety, depression, feeling alone are real but won’t control me
    • Doing hard things will always be required
    • Family must come first
    • Internal peace is more important than worldly recognition
    • Talent and skill should define us not what others say
    • Ethics and values can never be compromised
    • Finding the good in others helps your own outlook
    • Service must replace selfishness
    • Good friends are a must have
    • Time is precious and must be used wisely

    That is why I Quit. I quit comparing my life with others. I quit allwoing trials to define me. I quit thinking about what could have been. I quit waiting for others to see my value. I quit judging others. I quit being a victim of my circumstances. I quit using social media as a crutch to blame my mental health challenges. I quit feeling/thinking this world would be better off without me. I quit hurting myself whether it be physically, mentally or spiritually.

    It can be so easy to fall into the trap of negativity, self-pity and even depression when life is not going how you planned. The tornado of frustration can take us to dark places which will influence almost all aspects of our life. When this happens the statement misery loves company becomes all too real. There is only one way to turn things around and that is to make a decision to change then take the action to quit what has led you down that unhappy path.

    In all honesty, this change may need to include mental health professionals. Let me state this as clearly as I can, it is okay to get help, it can be necessary. We are human and as such we can often be our greatest roadblock to change. This is especially true when it comes to our mental health. There is absolutely nothing wrong asking for help. With help comes hope.

    We were not put on this earth to live an unhappy and unfulfilling life. I believe we were sent to be happy. I believe that our strengths were given to us in order to help others. I believe we all will need help. I also believe that we become happy when we focus on loving ourselves, learning, loving others, developing our strengths, serving, believing and caring. Those are hard to do when we allow tough times take over our life and use our weaknesses as our default.

    Being happy should be a habit we instill in our lives. Being happy is truly a strength. We deserve to have peace, joy and hope. You and I have great value on this earth. This value is to family, friends, pets, teachers, colleagues, teammates, roommates, etc. Never underestimate the strength that comes from your ability to change your life.

    Always know that you matter and people care.

    We’ve Got This,

    Seth