Life is difficult. There are times when the challenges can appear to be so daunting that we simply want to give up. We will be tempted to begin the inventory in our minds, with a complete list of all of the injustices in the world and all of those who are clearly undeserving that manage to thrive in the midst of it all. It is not fair. Life is NOT fair; but, it does offer an abundance of opportunities (should you choose to take them).

Success does not suffer fools. There is no time for self-indulgence or victimization. Our gripes and despair may be well founded, but dwelling, defending or bathing in them is a recipe for disaster. We must all decide what we really want and discipline ourselves to act accordingly. If we do not wish to remain miserable or deepen the discomfort of the experience, we have to rise above it.

Get in touch with your feelings. You cannot get beyond what you refuse to acknowledge. If you’re sad, angry or confused, let it out. Release the emotions. Cry. Scream. Go for a run. Take some shots at a punching bag. Do what you need to do to achieve a healthy, productive release.

Shift your focus from all that is NOT to all that is. Begin to list all of the gifts and blessings that you have been awarded. Begin with the fact that you are breathing. Continue to build your list, focusing on all that you love.

Define what you wish to create going forward. If you find that you’re feeling obstructed, begin by defining what you do not want. Then, go back and decide what is the opposite of that which you no longer desire.

Once you have decided what you want, commit to one thing that you will do (however small) each day to bring those desires closer to fruition.

Success or sabotage? There is a gift in every circumstance and challenge, if you choose to accept it. Rather than focusing on the difficulty, focus on the opportunity. This is not a dress rehearsal. This day is never coming again. There are many that no longer have the luxury of being here to experience it.

Is this going to be an incredible day? You may have to dig deep to create the possibility. Begin by making the day incredible for another.