How to Remain Confident

In the last few days, several people have asked me how I remain confident, motivated and cheerful despite all the negative news in the media.

Today, more than at any time in my life, people are looking for ways to remain confident and find sources of inspiration.

Following this simple 8 step strategy has helped me survive some major financial, emotional and physical catastrophies and continue to keep me confident, focused and moving forward.

1) No matter how bad the situation appears, write out your goals for the next 90 days and 12 months and write a vision statement of your ideal day at some time in the future. I have a vision statement of my ideal day in 3 years time.

2) Read your goals and vision statement every morning BEFORE you listen to any negative news on the radio, television or read a newspaper. "Live" your vision statement, do not just read it,you have to own it.

3) Spend at least 15 minutes reading or listening to motivational books, articles or audio. There are many excellent articles right here on SelfGrowth.com.

4) Devote another few minutes to being grateful for what you do have in your life. It does not matter what you do not have or what burdens you feel you are carrying, if you are breathing, you have something to be grateful for. If you are reading this in North America, you are more fortunate than millions of people on this planet.

My personal expression of gratitude is that I am fortunate to be alive, healthy and safe, my life is infinitely better than a few years ago when all of these were threatened.

These first 4 steps will get your day started positively and help you move forward.

5) Should you experience something negative during your day, remind yourself that you still have much to be grateful for and concentrate on your vision. Remember only we can control our thoughts, we choose how we react to negative stimuli. Remember also that setbacks and disappointments are only milestones on our journey through life.

6) Seek out good news, it is everywhere if you look hard enough, your local schools sports successes in a local newspaper, sporting, academic or business achievements by people in your community. Look for good news and do not let the bad get you down.

7) Create a mastermind group of a few positive people, meet in person or on the phone at least once a week, the only rules should be that every session must be positive.

8) Take action, go for a walk, volunteer to help a local charity, become more involved in community activities, start a home business, write articles, there are many more ways to become involved in activities without spending money.

We only have one life, it is our responsibility to make the most of it.