It’s is easy for me to get caught in autopilot mode and often depleted of energy. It’s easy to find myself losing sleep, eating poorly, and complaining more about the people & things around me. It has always frustrated me that our society places so much value on overpacked schedules & encourages folks to wear “busy-ness” as badges of honor. It is during chaotic times like this that I get reminded of the importance of engaging in my life with a sense of purpose & gratitude.

If you are like me and get challenged with similar things, here are a few tips that can help turn your chaos into calm:

Change the way you talk about it.  
Instead of talking about how busy, stressed, and tired you are, aim to share all the things you are grateful for. Instead of describing a month, week or day as chaotic, try describing it as a time of exciting transition & change. The more you can change our mindset, the more you can change your reality!

Sprinkle in some slowness.
Wake up an hour earlier to enjoy a cozy cup of coffee & a good book. Meditate at least once a day. Count your steps. Do one thing at a time. The more you can get into the habit of slowing down, the more equipped you will be to handle life when things speed up!

Listen to your body.
Your body carries stress! The more you slow down, the more you are able to noticed the triggers that actually bring about negative thoughts and emotions, and feel where you are carrying the stress in your body. Understanding your triggers puts you back in the driver’s seat to make a change!

Write it down.
Keeping your to do lists & thoughts inside your head can be extremely overwhelming. Getting them out on paper takes away their power & frees up so much space for new possibilities and positive thoughts!

Get your move on.
Sometimes when your brain is running at 100 mph, putting that kinetic energy into exercise can help shed layers and clear up even more. With the added increase in endorphins, you are even more likely to change the way you are engaging in your everyday!

It’s your choice. Either see today as beyond your control and let it dictate your feelings and happiness, or embrace it as your very own and live it to the full.

I will start by saying, I have not had the easiest road throughout my 44 years on this earth, and although my story is not an uncommon story, it is MY STORY.

It is because of the trials and tribulations I have experienced; I am the person I am today.

You see, being strong isn’t about how much weight you can lift. Strength comes from within, the ability to continue to push forward, even when the mountains seem too high, the road seems too long, and/or the weight you carry seem too heavy. It is the ability to continue one step at a time, no matter the circumstances. Figuring out a way because in the end it will be “WORTH” it.

I would like to share a story about “Strength and Worth”.

When I was a freshman in high school I was on the track team. I threw shotput and discus. That was all fine and good, but compared to the other girls on the throwing team, I was small – the smallest in the state. Looking back, I probably should have stuck with running but I was told I ran “like I had a corn cob stuck up my ass” (remember kids are mean) so I settled on throwing.

It was more about being a part of a team, and cheering my teammates on to victory.

My strength was showing up every day to practice, going to every meet, and giving my 100%, no matter what place I came in.

So, this brings me to our last meet.

This was the meet where dreams of going to State finals were attained, or stolen, by mere milliseconds. It was the last event of the meet and my coach walked up to me, putting her arm around my shoulder, “Stacey I want you to letter and you only need 2 points. If anyone deserves it, you do, because of your determination at every meet, your dedication at every practice and your drive to never give up. As much as I want to give you these points, I cannot.”

She continued, “I have a way you can letter if you are up for it.”

Before I knew it, I replied, “Yes coach, what can I do?”

She drew a deep breath, “You have to run the 400 hurdles. You are only running against Ashley but it will give you the 2 points you need to letter.” (Keep in mind; I had never jumped a hurdle in my life; and Ashley was only the number one hurdler in the state!)

I agreed to the task and was determined to finish.

On the line, the gun sounded and we were off. Run-stop-jump. Run-stop-jump.

At my second hurdle, Ashley was crossing the finish line.

At the turn, with four hurdles to go, my whole team, fellow classmates, and parents were running beside me on the infield – cheering me on!! “GO!”

Run-stop jump. Run-stop-jump. Run-stop-jump. Run-stop-jump.

I jumped every. single. hurdle. falling over the finish line.

I finished!

My coach came running up to me with a perplexed look on her face and said, “Stacey, you could have knocked over every hurdle and still lettered”.

Out of breath and quietly but confidently, I responded, “I know”.

I guess the lesson in this was that we all have hurdles in life and we are given the choice to go around, go under, knock them over or fight to jump over them – keeping your eye on the next one and letting go of the one you just cleared.

If you don’t, you will find yourself stuck in the race and never experiencing the joy of true VICTORY!

Find the strength to continue because I am here to tell you it is worth it!

Because I’m a constant improvement junkie, I have to be honest… I’m always a little surprised when I recommend books to people and they say, “Oh, I don’t read.” Or have suggested articles/blogs and the response is, “I’ll get to that after the other 300 emails in my inbox.” (meaning: they’ll never get to it).

I love to read, but I really love podcasts. During my run every morning, it’s my time to listen to podcasts. When someone recommends a new podcast, you’d think I just won an all-inclusive trip for two. I can’t wait til the next day to give it a listen. [It’s a problem really.] 

Podcasts are just so convenient. You can listen while you drive to work, while you’re in the shower, while you work out, or on a road trip. Anytime you’re doing a “mindless” activity, podcasts allow you to actively engage your mind.

So, I figured I’d share my current podcast playlist with you. In hopes that you’ll return the favor and share the ones that have impacted you. 🙂 [Remember, getting introduced to a new podcast is kind of a big deal to me]. Many you’ve probably heard of, but some others may be new to you.

In no particular order, here goes…

EOFire – John Lee Dumas. Short 20 minute engaging interviews with people who are killing it in business and life.

The James Altucher Show – James Altucher. Business. Life. Stories. Humor. Every episode is thought-provoking.

The EntreLeadership Podcast – Ken Coleman. After listening to this one, it just makes me want to be a better leader.

The Art of Charm – Jordan Harbinger. I just recently discovered this one. It talks all about what kind of impression you’re making and how to improve it.

Online Marketing Made Easy – Amy Porterfield. This girl gets marketing. She’s not cheesy, just real and down-to-earth. And super smart. Every episode is a winner.

The Top – Nathan Latka. I like this one because he interviews entrepreneurs who are crushing it in business, and he’s not afraid to ask the hard questions.

The Dave Ramsey Show – Dave Ramsey. Huge motivator in challenging you to manage your money and not let your money manage you.

Building a Story Brand – Donald Miller. This.one.is.awesome. Huge motivator to make your customers the hero instead of yourself.

Office Hours – Daniel Pink. Because of who he is, he has some heavy hitter guests on this show. He dives deep and, in true Dan Pink fashion, every episode is fantastic.

StartUp Camp – Dale Partridge. Dale believes that a strong business with a weak family doesn’t work. I love this and couldn’t agree more. He strives to help people turn their passion into their profession.

Power & Purpose – Mastin Kipp. More personal than business. Mastin encourages you to think below the surface and live fully in your purpose.

Seth Godin’s StartUp School – Seth Godin. This man is a genius and this podcast series (15 episodes) is worth every single bit of your time if you want to grow a successful business.

GirlBoss Radio – Sophia Amoruso. An all woman lists of guests, this podcast inspires the female folks to get out there and make our marks on this world.

School of Greatness – Lewis Howes. This guy is awesome and his guests are the cream of the crop. You’d be hard-pressed to listen to even one of his episodes and not walk away with a desire to be a better human.

Rule Breaker Investing – David Gardner. Another podcast I just recently discovered and I look forward to every episode. Too many of us don’t know enough about money and investing. These are the Motley Fool guys and they are wildly smart. And they break the “traditional” rules. I like that. 

The Four Hour Work Week – Tim Ferriss. Everyone knows about Tim Ferriss and his four hour work week concept, but it’s for a reason. Every episode he puts out is both fantastic and inspiring. 

But does it…be honest?

I would like to recommend my favorite book, How Full is Your Bucket by Tom Rath and Donald Clifton. I read this book many years ago and have bought several more to give as gifts. You see every time you speak negatively to, about, or even think negative thoughts about someone else, or yourself, you are not filling your bucket. You are actually emptying your bucket. 

I’m not saying we will ever be perfect at this but by minding our minds, words and thoughts this could put us in the right direction to a happier life.

I have to admit I love the Olympics!! I often find myself staying up way after my bedtime to see the final lap in the pool, flip on the mat, or spike of the volleyball. WOW! What perseverance and dedication it must take to be among the top athletes in the world. Their drive reaches far beyond what many of us can even begin to comprehend.

Have you ever taken a peek at what Michael Phelps does daily to stay ahead of all his fellow swim mates? Not only does his training require superhuman physical strength, but the mental strength is unfathomable. But not only do these athletes have to endure the physical and mental fight, they also have to endure the psychological effects of being in the spotlight which is not always positive.

This morning I was saddened when I read a report about Gabby Douglas – USA Gymnast, two-time Olympic Champion, decorated with 3 Gold medals. This report was not about her winning or losing; it was about how people are “bullying” her in her own spotlight…WHY?

Who are we to attempt to hurt another human being with our harsh words? Gabby represents a very small percentage of elite athletes who work hard to represent the USA. She did not just draw the longest straw to be able to go to Rio; she worked hard and won her way to Rio.

So, I ask again, why would people take it upon themselves to criticize the way she stands while our National Anthem is being played, or that she looks depressed, or even her hair…HER HAIR…REALLY?? As a side note…there is a law from 1942, unbeknownst to me, with details on how to stand during the National Anthem. Many of us were taught to “pledge” to the flag with our hands over our heart, and “sing” the Anthem” (I learned that in 1st Grade) so I honestly I put my hand over my heart 50% of the time but that does not make me less American, or proud. Another side note…did you know that 2 out of 3 Americans do not know the words to the National Anthem? That seems more un-American to me than where to place my hands while I am singing loud and proud. Did you know that there are some religions that do not allow their followers to stand during the National Anthem?

I initiated a conversation with a friend about how this poor young lady was being “bullied” via social media and how it affected me. They responded by saying, “they heard” she was a poor sport. My question back to them, “Do you actually know her? Have you actually seen this for yourself, in her presence, and know all the circumstances surrounding what you may have heard?”

Come on people, we all have bad days… so just maybe she was not happy with her own performance in her last Olympics (imagine the pressure). I heard (probably from the same source) she is awesome…and because I do not know her, I chose to believe the latter. I can also say I have definitely witnessed far worse sportsmanship in the Olympics than what Gabby has displayed. As an example, did you watch all the drama in the swimming competition from finger wagging to mockery of fellow athletes; or the French runner who had a false start – he was removed from competition then proceeded to rip his bib off, fall on the ground, and become inconsolable on the sidelines. Or what about the athletes who take enhancement drugs to make themselves stronger, and seemingly invincible. All I know is Gabby was obviously shaken by the vicious bullying from the people she has worked so hard to represent…shame on those people for being so mean, and shame on us as a society for allowing this to happen!

So my challenge to you is to… Be Nice!! Be nice to yourself and others! I realize this is a hard task for some people because they chose to be martyrs, and live in ugliness, but… I strongly believe people who are nice far outweigh the mean people.

We need more nice guys. They finish first in my book.

– This post was written by Stacey Pierce.