When something happens in your life there is invariably at least one person who quotes Friedrich Nietzsche: “That which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” This may be annoying to listen to, but it’s sound advice. You can’t allow yourself to fall to pieces every time something goes wrong or forces you into making a difficult decision.

Trying to escape your troubles or run away from things that you believe are too difficult to handle doesn’t solve anything. It just puts your action off until another time. And it will come up again. It always does.

The key is to view these moments in life as opportunities for change and growth instead of tests of your patience. You may learn something about yourself, your adversaries and the world around you.

To improve your life you have to deal with what is going on in the present—no matter how unpleasant it is. This will build your character and your resolve.

How do you do this? Try some of the following suggestions:

•       Learn how to be assertive without being overbearing. People will listen to you if they see strength and not arrogance.

•       Make a list of the pros and cons of any situation before making a decision. Base it on a mutually beneficial outcome and not emotion.

•       Remember that others judge you on how you react in life. If you want to be seen as a problem solver, start acting like one.

The next time someone says, “That which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger”, you can say: “I know, it’s so true.”

When you were born, your parents had big dreams for you. “She’s going to be president some day!” “He’s going to grow up and do great things!” The possibilities in our lives were endless. Then, as we start school, meet children our own age; compete in sports or academics, something odd happens. Other people begin to label us a “winner” or a “loser”. Oh, not our parents—they still see us as the best thing that ever happened to the world or at least they should do that.

If you’ve been labeled a winner this isn’t usually a problem, but for those who wear the “loser” tag, it’s time to start realizing that you, and only you, can define the path you take in life. It’s time to take a stand, set boundaries and take back your identity.

Here is how can you begin to shed your “loser” label.

• Eliminate self-sabotage and think positive thoughts – Winners know “you can’t afford the luxury of a negative thought.”
• Everyone deserves self-confidence and self-respect. Learn to appreciate and take pride in your talents, abilities and assets. Also go through your list of weaknesses and work on them. The idea is to ameliorate the things you can change and accept the things that cannot be changed.
• Try not to engage in negative self-talk. Tell yourself how wonderful and inspiring you are. Acknowledge that you are giving and being your best self always!
• It’s time you started to like yourself and make yourself a priority.
• Make a concerted effort to hang out with positive like minded people and avoid people who have made it a habit of finding fault with everyone around them.
• Don’t let success scare you and send you running. Remember you are just as good as the rest of them. Respect, success and happiness are your birthright!

It requires a change of attitude. Vince Lombardi, the great football coach, said: “Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing”. You can create a path toward success, but first you have to believe it can happen. Start today. Give your attention—your full attention—to positive thinking, feelings and actions. Start fulfilling the dream you have for yourself. You have always had the ability to be great.

Take action now!