The Seasons of Life, Part 2 of 5

Last week we started a five part series on The Seasons of Life. At that time I stated that I believe there are overriding principles that we should follow and be led by. That life is about constant, predictable patterns of change. And that as we approach the future; for all of us, the only constant factor will be our feelings and attitudes toward life.

Secondly, we as human beings have the power of attitude and that attitude determines choice, and choice determines results. All that we are and all that we can become has indeed been left unto us to decide and interpret through our attitude and choices.

This week we will begin our discussion of the four seasons. I'll start by making two comments. First, life and business are like the changing seasons. That's one of the best ways to illustrate life: it's like the seasons that change. Second, you cannot change the seasons, but you can change yourself.

Now with those two key phrases in mind, let's look at what I consider to be the first major lesson in life to learn, and that is how to handle the winters. They come regularly, right after autumn. Some are long, some are short, some are difficult, some are easy, but they always come right after autumn. That is never going to change.

There are all kinds of winters - the "winter" when you can't figure it out, the "winter" when everything seems to go haywire. There are economic winters, social winters and personal winters. Wintertime can bring disappointment, and disappointment is common to all of us. So you must learn how to handle the winters. You must learn how to handle difficulty; it always comes after opportunity. You must learn to handle recessions; they come right after expansions. That isn't going to change.

The big question is what do you do about winters? You can't get rid of January simply by tearing it off the calendar. But here is what you can do: you can get stronger; you can get wiser; and you can get better. Remember that trio of words: stronger, wiser, better. The winters won't change, but you can.

Before I understood this, I used to wish it were summer when it was winter. When things were difficult, I used to wish they were easy. I didn't know any better. Then Mr. Shoaff gave me the answer from a part of his very unique philosophy when he said, "Don't wish it were easier, wish you were better. Don't wish for fewer problems, wish for more skills. Don't wish for less challenge, wish for more wisdom."

(Next week we will talk about the second major lesson in life: learning how to take advantage of the spring. Spring is opportunity. Fortunately, spring always follows winter.)

To Your Success,

Jim Rohn

Reproduced with permission from Jim Rohn's Weekly E-zine. Copyright 2005 Jim Rohn International. All rights reserved worldwide. To subscribe to Jim Rohn's Weekly E-zine, go to http://Jim-Rohn.InspiresYOU.com



What Footsie Taught Us!

We have just inherited a rag, tag and bobtail of... Read More

Tsunamis in the Bible?

I have always wondered how the Red Sea parted as... Read More

Inspired Intuition - Following Your Inner Voice

"Some people call the still, small voice insight or intuition?Our... Read More

Attaining Financial Freedom

Financial freedom is not about having enough money to spend... Read More

Flashh! I Thought I Saw A Puddy Cat!

Have you ever had one of those flashes of inspiration?... Read More

Five Reasons To Journal

Keeping a journal during the coaching process is one of... Read More

No More Frustration: The Thorns of Opportunity - Part I

The Thorns of Opportunity...What are you trying so hard to... Read More

Transform Old Grumpy

This is a true story. A woman had Snow White... Read More

Future Prediction

Direct Answers - Column for the week of December 13,... Read More

The Great Challenge of Life

Here's the great challenge of life - You can have... Read More

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Whoever coined this phrase is a genius. Life finds ways... Read More

The Power Of Love In Your Life!

CELEBRATE YOUR LIFE!"If there is light in the soul, there... Read More

Don?t Give Up!

Don't let anyone kid you. The road to self improvement... Read More

Its The Journey, Not The Destination

Don't you just hate clichés like the one illustrated in... Read More

Anchors Away!

If we want to fill our heads with the doom... Read More

Say Thank You to the Cow for the Steak on Your Plate

Have you ever said thank-you to the cow that provided... Read More

Directions For Life

Give people more than they expect and do it... Read More

Why Not Reinvent The Wheel?

"Why go and reinvent the wheel?" It's a question that's... Read More

Vistas

The other day I found myself frustrated with the slow... Read More

5 Simple Tips On Using Your Senses

1. Breakfast in Bed.Imagine a lavish breakfast arrives brimming over... Read More

My Favorite Movies Journal

The movies--what a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! I... Read More

The Family

Direct Answers - Column for the week of January 19,... Read More

Thoughts on Loving

Loving. It seems like such a simple concept. But those... Read More

7 Strategies To Make Room For Money

Laws of the Attraction notwithstanding, there are several external ways... Read More

Self-Validation: Living an Empowered Life

Sometimes we are concerned with being right and we don't... Read More

If you'd like to keep up-to-date,
please complete the form below and we'll put you on the mailing list
to receive our twice-yearly newsletter for supporters

* Your email address:
* choes your language: