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“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”
— Charles R. Swindoll

• An old football coach of mine used to say something that stuck with me, and learning this skill has been one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced. It’s a daily battle that requires conscious effort. It’s so easy to dwell on the bad things that have happened, how someone made you feel, or why you’re not where you think you should be because of ______. (Be honest—what excuses are you holding on to?)
• For a long time, I let the outside world dictate my happiness and how I lived my life. I would fixate on things that had happened to me and how they made me feel. But here’s the truth: there’s always something in this world to be angry or sad about. If you stay in that mindset, happiness will always feel out of reach.

The 10/90 Rule: A Blueprint for a Better Life

1. Life Events (10%): Recognize that only a small portion of your life is shaped by circumstances beyond your control.
2. Reactions (90%): The majority of your experience is determined by how you choose to respond.
3. Mindset Matters: A positive mindset can shift your perspective and change how you face challenges.
4. Take Responsibility: Owning your reactions gives you the power to influence outcomes.
5. Manage Emotions: Controlling your emotions leads to better decisions and a healthier outlook.
6. Focus on Solutions: Instead of dwelling on problems, shift your energy to finding solutions and growing from them.
7. Adopt a Growth Mindset: See challenges as opportunities for self-improvement and development.
8. Build Resilience: Cultivate the ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain optimism.
9. Practice Awareness: Being mindful of your thoughts and feelings allows you to respond intentionally, not react impulsively.
10. Empower Yourself: Embracing the 10/90 rule gives you the tools to take charge of your happiness and success.

Final Thought

The way we react to life’s challenges defines our journey far more than the challenges themselves. So ask yourself: What’s one way you can apply the 10/90 rule today?