Anyone who is a long time student of personal development has probably learned some pretty amazing lessons from some of the greats. In times of uncertainty, these lessons are especially important and we can turn to this wisdom to push us through. One of the biggest lessons to remember to keep your mindset strong is that we control our reality, which can feel like a cruel joke when times are really tough. When the outside world seems to be spinning out of control, we can maintain a sense of inner peace and keep our mindsets strong by remembering some of these important lessons.

1. “Nothing in life has any meaning except the meaning we give it.” – Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins reminds us that whatever is happening in our outside worlds, we have the power to give meaning to it. When things seem out of control, we can easily give up our power and end up on a downward spiral. We let fear take over and forget that we can give meaning to anything. If you are feeling down or allowing the outside world to control you right now, remember that you have the power to choose a new thought and a new action.  

2. “What you focus on expands. When you focus on the goodness in life, you create more of it.” – Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey doesn’t make a secret about how much she values gratitude. She has done countless shows about the power of gratitude on both her television show and now on her OWN network. Living in a constant state of gratitude is not easy; supposedly “bad” things happen and it’s easy to question why and forget to look for the good. Maintaining gratitude even in times of trial, increases our mental strength and resilience.

A few ways to incorporate gratitude into your life? Start a gratitude journal. A simpler way – first thing in the morning and right before you go to bed at night, bring to mind something that you are grateful for. Make it a habit. Even in the toughest of times, stopping to be grateful can have a profound effect.

3. “There is no problem outside of you that is superior to the power within.” – Bob Proctor

Author and renowned speaker Bob Proctor, often tells his own story at his workshops and seminars – he was 26 and broke with only two months of high school education when his first mentor introduced him to the book “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill.

In the last 50+ years, he has never stopped studying that book and has gone on to become one of the most successful speakers in the world and a great leader in the personal development industry. His story is a great reminder not only that if you believe it, you can achieve it but also to never stop studying.

4. “Feed your fear a suck-it sandwich.” – Jen Sincero

The hilariously insightful author Jen Sincero (You Are a Badass), reminds us that we have the power to choose faith or fear. Giving in to your fears is always an option. In times of change, we can crawl back under our covers and decide not to face the day or we can look fear right in the eye and choose to move forward and not let it stop us in our endeavors. Life is a choice.  Choose love and faith over fear.

5. “Your doubts create mountains. Your actions move them.” – Mel Robbins

Author Mel Robbins teaches us to take immediate action. Much like fear, doubts creep up when you least expect them, especially in times of uncertainty. In her brilliant book, The 5 Second Rule, she reminds us that the moment you have an instinct to act, count backwards from five to one and act on your goal.

If you allow yourself the time to sit and think about it, you may never take action. If your instincts tell you the time is right, whether that is speaking up at a meeting or starting a new business, five, four, three, two, one, go and take action now. Don’t wait.

6. “You can think independent of circumstances and watch your life begin to change.” – Michael Bernard Beckwith

Michael Bernard Beckwith, founder and spiritual director of the Agape International Spiritual Center, empowers us to think beyond our circumstances. He teaches that you can pick up the vibrations around you or you can deliver the vibrations and bring your own energy into the room. See yourself on the other side of your circumstances where you are right now. 

Allow yourself the power to be who you want to be and know that where you are in your life right now is not where you will be. You can get through anything, you just have to remember to believe in yourself and the power within you.

You have the power to do or be anything you want. Remember these important lessons especially when times are tough. The power is always within.