7 simple steps to overcoming anything

7 Proven strategies to set yourself up for success in uncertain times

⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 10 Mins
Last Updated: April 2022

In this article:
7 Proven Success Strategies

Whether your facing a challenging personal struggle, a major change, or the whole world has shifted in ways beyond your control, we all, at one point or another, are going to face obstacles that are daunting or may seem insurmountable.  For these such occasions I have researched how best to navigate these circumstances and turn them around to create a beneficial outcome and an opportunity for personal growth, no matter the situation. And I am sharing my findings with you, including:

• 7 proven strategies to set you up for success even in the worst of times
• A life changing video (or podcast if you'd rather listen) that goes through each of the strategies and the science & research behind each one ~ a must watch

When times are difficult or uncertain our natural inclination is to freeze up, blame outside forces for what is happening to us and try to wait out the storm.  Let me convince you that there is a better way.  By implementing these 7 strategies it is proven that you will set yourself up for success in the best and the worst of times. 

1.   Put yourself in a leadership role 
When facing any situation in life, whether you are a stay at home mom or a CEO, envision yourself in a leadership position.  Let's face it, there is always someone that is looking at you.  How do you want to be seen handling a tough situation in front of your children, a colleague, your team, or friends. With grace and proactiveness, or with fear and resistance?  When facing anything, set a clear intention as to how you want to "lead" yourself and what it is that you hope to achieve by going through this transformation. 
 
This does not mean that you are not honest with yourself and others that you may be scared, overwhelmed or tired, it just means that despite these feelings you have decided that you will show up and lead as you intended and to learn from the situation. So, what is the first strategy when faced with fear and uncertainty? 

Success Strategy number 1 ~ Decide how you want to show up as a leader, set your intentions and become self-aware of your actions and a desired end result.
 
2.   Generate energy 
Secondly, but just as important, you need to get your health in order.  If we are to achieve our goals, get through a difficult time, and live our lives to the fullest we need to be able to create energy.  Yes I said create energy.  Just as a power plant doesn't just have energy it creates it, so must you. The only way to do this is to be healthy mind, body and soul.  This means making time for movement, mindfulness and rest every day.  This way when you find yourself in a stressful situation you are able to draw on the energy you have stored to get you through it.  Nevermind of course all of the health and emotional benefits that come along with it as an added plus.  Do you want to be trudging through each day or do you want to be soaring through it?  It is really up to you!

Success Strategy number 2 ~ Schedule time each day to get your health and order and create energy.
 
3.   Get Clear 
A lot of the suffering that we go through is due to one simple issue, lack of clarity.  We don't know where we are going and therefore we get lost along the way.  Sure, maybe you have a general idea as to what it is you want out of life but without crystal clear, laser focused goals you will definitely struggle on delivering. This in itself will cause you a lot more uncertainty, time and suffering along the way.
 
So, get clear.  What is it exactly that you would like to see in your life in the next 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, etc.  Make it measurable and clear.  Now, how are you going to get there, who do you need to become, what are the actions you need to take, who can help you?  Chunk down each objective into bite sized pieces and schedule it into your calendar.  If you want to achieve said goal in 1 year that what do you need to accomplish each month, each week, each day?  Then each week, check on the progress and re-calibrate.  A weekly check-in is crucial so that you can pivot as necessary but also so that you can see you are making progress towards your dreams because it really is all about the journey and becoming a better version of yourself.  So even in uncertain times you will see that you are moving towards your vision which will give you more of a sense of control (for what you can control ~ yourself) and a sense of purpose.  Success

Strategy number 3 ~ Get crystal clear on your goals & schedule them into your calendar.
 
4.   Skill up 
If you look at any top performer regardless of field or position you will find that they are consistently working toward building a skill(s).  To be successful in life, and to continue to grow and reach our potentials, we must always be investing in our skill acquisition.  What skills are you intentionally working on?  It could be anything, marketing, swimming, public speaking, writing, business, financial analysis, singing, etc.  What is your goal, and who do you need to become and what do you need to learn in order to achieve that goal?  As Marie Forleo always says, everything is figuroutable.  For any challenge you are faced with there is always a solution, especially with the access to information we have today, there is no reason why we can not find the answers to whatever it is that we need to know.  So read that book, take that course, join that class or mastermind.  Remember, whatever investment you make in yourself and skills that you develop can never ever be taken away from you no matter what is going on in the outside world.  Skill and knowledge building for personal development is what compound interest is to finance, each small investment grows and compounds overtime into staggering positive results. So intentionally decide which skills you would like to build and plan it in to your schedule. 

Success Strategy number 4 ~ Skill up!!!
 
5.   Invest in key areas of life 
While complete life balance is difficult it is important that we ensure that we are looking at our life in a balanced way.  We cannot just focus completely and solely on our jobs and then expect that our relationships are flourishing, we need to invest in the different areas of our life that matter.  Like purpose, relationships, career, business & finance, health & wellness and contribution.  That is how you live a more fulfilled life, when you are creating a life that considers all the necessary elements.  So again, in challenging times, let's take control of what we can ourselves, and get intentional about each one of these pillars, because where our attention goes our energy flows.  So when you are doing your weekly review (step 3) check in on the different areas.  How was my most important relationships this week?  What did I do that grew the connection, or what can I do to maintain my relationships, make some time, give a compliment, surprise a loved one, etc.  By putting attention and investing even in small ways in each of these areas we begin to intentionally design a more well-rounded life of contentment, joy and fulfillment as you are developing all life's core pillars. 

Success Strategy number 5 ~ Invest In Life's Key Areas.
 
6.   Joy & Reverence 
Decide to bring joy and reverence into your life.  Just as you can create energy you can create joy.  It is a decision and something that you can consistently and intentionally work on developing in your everyday life.  Each day, take some time to think how could I bring more joy into my or other's days, or into this very moment.  Perhaps you can make an effort to smile and nod at everyone that you walk by, or when sitting in a long meeting, you can decide to sit up more straight, put a smile on your face and show interest in the presenter, or you can send a text to a friend telling them why they mean so much to you, the options are endless…..and, well, easily actionable.
 
On top of adding more joy to your life why not add some reverence for life as well?  I think this is something that we have lost some touch with but really take the time to think about the awe of life.  Intentionally get excited about life again!!  Wake up and be grateful for another day on this earth, its not guaranteed.  Be grateful for another chance to make a change, to see the sun, to see your children, friends, husband, partner, and so on.  Be thankful for the ability to see at all, to hear, to walk.  Be in awe of how we have the ability to virtually connect to anyone, anywhere in the world through the magic of technology.  Really take some time to sit and contemplate on the reverence and amazement that life is, as we soar through space on a tiny blue planet in one of the many universes of the galaxy. 

Success Strategy number 6 ~ Bring Joy & Reverence to your life!
 
7.  Share the wisdom 
I love, love this last strategy!!! This is something that you can easily do with your loved ones that not only helps you learn and grow and spread the wisdom but also that can create a precious heirloom that you will cherish and can pass through the family for generations.  Everyone in our lives have had unique learning experiences and knowledge that can be shared, and that we can learn from no matter who it is. It does not always have to be celebrity gurus we go to and seek knowledge.  It is right in front of us, always, everyone has something to teach us.   Especially our parents, or grandparents or aging family members who have frankly lived life longer and therefore have more life experience.  But how often do you really take the time to sit with these loved ones and ask and record life's big questions like what is the biggest thing your learnt from your mother/father, what has been your biggest life lesson so far, what are some of your favorite moments you cherish,  what is your favorite quote, etc.  You never know how long you will have with someone and you don't want to miss the opportunity to have these conversations and really pass on their life's learnings.  So take these 30 questions developed by Brendon Bouchard, adjust as you would like, send them to your family member(s) and interview and record the answers on video.  This is a keepsake you will always cherish, take it from someone who recently lost their father, and I never had the chance to ask these questions…..I thought I had time.  

Success Strategy number 7 ~ Share the Wisdom.
 
All of the above strategies are proven through years of research over thousands of high performers undertaken by Brendon Bouchard and a team of top researchers from around the world.  He is named by Forbes as the world's leading high-performance trainers in history. He is a NY times bestseller, he has trained Oprah and her executive team, so don't take it from me, take it from the expert! Everything that was listed above and more is discussed throughout this life changing, wisdom filled and inspiring video with Brenden Bouchard and Ed Mylett.  I cannot insist enough that you watch the full video, it WILL change your life!  If you don't want to watch and would rather listen, check out the podcast version below and download it to your playlist, trust me, you will be happy you did.

Additional Resources:

Want the High Performance Habits Book - get it HERE

I would love to hear your feedback in the comments below!

Design YOUR Life ~ Be Authentic. Be You. Be Sharp
​

Success Strategies

---

​Sources: 

• Subscribe to EdMylett on YouTube and follow Brendon Buchard ~ https://youtu.be/scv1wM51b3Q