Big Idea #1: Becoming Optimistic in the Face of Challenges

Sometimes we find ourselves in an environment that impedes our ability to find fulfillment. It can seem easier to fill our days with distracting momentary pleasures than to face our underlying unhappiness. When we find ourselves in that place, when it feels like there’s no pole or life raft to grab onto, how can we find the energy and motivation to get out of that state? How can we cultivate the ability to rise out of an undesirable circumstance and get back on track towards happiness, healthiness and holiness?

When a challenge is happening in your life, ask yourself the 3 “P” questions:

• Is it permanent? (will it last forever?)
• Is it pervasive? (will it affect every area of your life?)
• Is it personal? (is it really about me?

Optimistic people are able to see that often, the answer to these questions is “no,” while pessimistic people often believe the answer is “yes.” It’s important to be very conscious of our thought patterns and be able to look at our situation through the lens of these questions.

Big Idea #2: Values vs. Fundamentals

Values

What are the things that are most important to you in life? What are the things that, when you have them, make life worth living? Some examples of values are freedom, growth, truth, and compassion.

Fundamentals

What are the things you need to do in order to make your life really work? These are actions such as meditation, exercise, meaningful connection, and spending time outside. Think of fundamentals as the scaffolding for your life. They will help you have higher highs, but they will also prevent you from getting super low.

Fundamentals are the foundation upon which we can build the life we want to build. Think about the system of roots supporting a thriving, flourishing tree. Our fundamentals are these roots for the tree that is our outer life. Having an accountability partner can help us stay on track with rocking our fundamentals.

To start identifying your fundamentals, ask yourself:

• What is the number one thing that, if you started doing, would have the biggest positive impact on your life?

What is we’re lacking the energy to start rocking our fundamentals? In this case, some change is clearly needed. One of the best ways to create change in our lives is to change our environment or our relationships. So if you’re feeling stuck in a rut, look at these parts of your life and think about how you can shift them.

Ask yourself:

• What are 5 words to describe your ideal environment?
• How can you put yourself in an environment that encompasses these ideal characteristics?

Big Idea #3: Uncertainty and the Hero’s Journey

The great human myth is that there’s such a thing as certainty. We’ve all been told this social narrative that we need certainty and should be striving for it… but what if we could completely revolutionize our relationship with uncertainty? What if we could let go of everything we’ve learned from society, and instead cultivate a healthy relationship with uncertainty?

What is the thing that would inspire you the most, put the most life into you? This is the thing that’s going to help you inspire and give life to the people and world around you. Hint: this thing is often surrounded by lots and lots of uncertainty! Embarking on our hero’s journey usually means jumping off the path of certainty that’s been drilled into us our whole lives. Follow the calling inside, despite the fear of uncertainty that might linger. Make love to uncertainty, because the point where we can embrace uncertainty with love is the point where we can give birth to what we need to build and create in our lives.

HW + Action Steps!

As always, we’d love for you to share your personal favorite takeaways in the private Facebook group.