In truth, no one wants to live a life of ups and downs; everyone wants to have a life of upward movement alone. But in life, there are usually challenges and road blocks you must pass to get to the next level.
Life is like a school; you are being served lectures everyday, and at the end of the lectures, you’re being given exams to determine whether you deserve taking that next step or not.
Some people pass their exams very well, some averagely, some struggle to pass through and some just can’t pass through.
The exams aren’t meant to scare you or bring you down, but they are meant to test you and make you better for the next phase.
So don’t be afraid of the tests and challenges life throws your way; these are some key things you can do about those ups and downs:
1. POINT OUT YOUR FAILINGS
The wisest thing you can do to yourself is to be honest with yourself. Point out your failings and understand where you are getting it wrong; a problem that’s detected is a problem half-solved. Engineers and doctors will always feel frustrated when they can’t find the problem; because they understand that their work will be easier when they detect the problem.
So the first step is to find the problem.
2. NOTICE IF THERE’S A PATTERN
Check if there’s a pattern of failure around you; a pattern of failure shows that you are making the same mistakes. You can’t make the same mistakes and expect to get a different result. Notice that pattern of mistake and try to do it differently next time. Many engineering masterstroke have been born out of this principle.
3. FOLLOW THE LEADING OF YOUR HEART
A lot of people are scared to follow their heart due to the fear of failure; so they choose to remain where they are and manage that spot than try to make a leap.
Steve Jobs said: “You are already naked. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t follow your heart.”
4. FAILURE CAN LEAD TO VICTORY
Okay, you failed! So what? Show me a man without failure and I’d show you a man who’s a failure. Even failure feels like an intense victory when we learn from it, and that’s what failure really means — a path to victory.
5. LIFE IS LIKE A ROLLERCOASTER
Life is like a rollercoaster; it keeps going, and the only way you can enjoy the ride and stay safe in it is by wearing your belt and screaming along with everyone. When you do this, you enjoy the ride life presents to you.
So those difficulties and challenges aren’t truly what they seem; they’re just a mask and a mirage, there’s something behind them.
So don’t be afraid of the tests and challenges life throws your way; brace yourself up, dust your feet, ride along and scream a shout of victory.
Jake