“A positive philosophy turns into a positive attitude, which turns into positive actions, which turns into positive results, which turns into a positive lifestyle. A positive life.” — Jeff Olsen

Life is an interesting journey. No two people experience it the same.

We all have wins and losses. And some more than others. No matter what anyone tells you, there is no quick fix to solve all your issues.

Some issues can be solved with the right counsel. Some may never be solved. Other issues can be handled by you, depending on your strategy.

Ultimately what you do is on you and figuring it out is part of the process.

I realized by having guiding philosophies; I was able to navigate my life more efficiently.

But please don’t get it twisted. I’m not telling you I have solved all of my problems.

I honestly still don’t know shit, but I am comfortable with not knowing it all because there is so much to learn.

Your results may vary obviously, but as I mentioned earlier, these 5 philosophies have tremendously helped me, and I believe they can help you too, even if it’s a little bit.

Here are my 5 Philosophies I live my life by.

Philosophy #1 — I’m Responsible.

More aptly put in the words of President Harry S. Truman;
“The buck stops here.”

I realized this fact of life years ago and decided to embrace it. Whether my life is good or bad, I am responsible.

My misery or happiness is the result of my mindset.

No matter what has happened to me, I am responsible for my reaction to it. I am responsible for what actions I take after the fact.

This philosophy of “I’m Responsible” conditions the mindset to endure.

I’m responsible means that if I fuck up — I am the one that had to fix the situation.

Suppose I am overweight and lack energy. I am the one that has to eat better, eliminate sugars, and workout daily until I reach my desired aim.

If I am not successful or reaching the level of success, I desire. It is because I didn’t do what I have to do.

Either way, I am responsible.

This philosophy can help you because once you embrace the idea that you are responsible for your life and its outcomes, you will realize how much of your life may be governed by blame and excuses.

Yes, there may be valid reasons why you are not where you want to be, but ultimately there is something you can do because you are responsible.

Great book recommendation “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins.

Philosophy #2 — Action Cures All.

“You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do” — Carl Jung.

Action creates momentum, and momentum matters. This is a major philosophy I live by now because I wasted time dithering and creating plans for years. Plans that should have been more active than theory.

Plans in itself are not bad, but ideas without action are just fantasy.

I made excuses as to why I wasn’t getting anywhere, meanwhile letting fear and self-limitations get the best of me.

Little did I know that fear is defeated by action.

Any doubt or indecision I ever had once I decided to take action — the fear slowly dissipated.

When I was afraid to write my first article — taking the first steps to write it down on paper, upload it, and ultimately publish it — made my fear vanish. The action made me want to do more.

When I was doing toastmaster speeches, I would create excuses not to show up but changed my mind and pushed through. And you know what? I got through the nervousness and felt better.

When I am living below my potential, I take action in the direction of my fear. And I never regret it.

How can the philosophy of taking action help you?

Taking action cures your fear. Whatever it is. That momentum you build gives you confidence. Try it for yourself. Whatever you are afraid of, take action towards it, and see how you feel. You will be happy you did.

Great book recommendation — “The 10x Rule” by Grant Cardone

Philosophy #3 — I Can Learn Anything.

I use to think certain information was only accessible to the experts.

It was a compelling feeling to know that I can learn anything.

This is a powerful lesson and such an important philosophy to have.

In fact, if I could have a conversation with my younger self, this is one thing that I would emphasize. — You Can Learn Anything.

I make sure to tell my kids this so that history doesn’t repeat itself.

Sometimes it may seem like knowledge is only for the privileged. But that is not true — knowledge is there for anyone willing to learn. However, you have to believe that you can learn anything; and you have to put in the effort.

I used to feel overwhelmed during my apprenticeship as a pipe-fitter. I used to tell myself these journeymen are smart; it will be hard to do what they do. Eventually being around them more and more, I realized it wasn’t so much about being smart but accumulated knowledge over time.

I finally realized that I could learn anything over time, as well. As a result, my confidence shot up, and I became better at my trade.

The greatest advantage we have in our lives is the leverage of the internet.

With the internet, you can;

-Watch YouTube and learn virtually anything.

-Use Twitter to reach out to experts and create a dialogue.

-Use Zoom to have a virtual meeting with anyone.

-Use Pinterest to create projects.

Whatever you need to do, everything is available, and you can learn anything.

How can this philosophy help you?

Knowing that you can learn anything makes you not feel stupid. Given enough time, you can go from novice to expert in any subject.

Everything is learnable.

Great book recommendation “Limitless” by Jim Kwik

Philosophy #4 — Take Care Of Body And Mind

(Body)

This is a philosophy that is required all the time. Your body is the vessel to get you through life. Take care of it, and it will take you where you need to be.

People will get premium fuel for their vehicles and not premium fuel in the form of great foods for their bodies.

I remember a fellow tradesman who told me how he took pristine care of his tools. Every tool in his garage was in tip-top shape, and he guards them like a mother with her newborn baby.

As he tells me, I noticed his hacking cough, no doubt from the pack a day cigarette habit he maintains. Ironically such a great steward of tools refuses to take care of his biggest and best physical tool — his body. Sadly when he dies, someone else will own those tools anyway, but no one will own that body.

I am not the paragon of health, but I am very mindful of my body. I try not to do things that will impact me negatively. I realize when my energy is low, there are things that I can do to improve. After all, I am responsible for my health.

(Mind)

Your mind is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. Taking care of your mind is sometimes a matter of your content intake.

“The Subconscious mind can not tell the difference between what’s real and what’s imagined.”― Bob Proctor.

Constant bad news, gossip, toxic energy, limitations, negativity, and fears take its toll. In the same vein, positivity, gratitude, helping others, calmness, and overcoming obstacles invigorate you.

It is all what you take in that matters.

It is a daily struggle not to give in to or indulge in gossip or negatives, but it is doable. If you really want a challenge, try the 7-day mental diet.

The Seven-Day Mental Diet is about throwing out all negativity and thinking only positive thoughts. Believe me; it is a lot harder than it sounds. Try it out if you are looking for a challenge.

Taking care of your body and mind is helpful to you because your body and mind are with you everywhere. You must take care of them both — if you don’t, you will be no good to anyone, especially yourself.

Great book recommendation; “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill.

Philosophy #5 — Give Back

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” ―Pablo Picasso.

This is a great philosophy because I feel happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.

I am blessed beyond imagination in life, and I feel it’s my duty to give back.

If I can help others in some way, then I do it. Whether through writing, creating, guidance, feedback, listening, financial, volunteering, etc. There are so many ways to give back.

I was lucky in my life when people gave back to me, and I reciprocate to others whenever possible.

I ultimately believe the world will be a better place if we give the way we like to receive.

How will this help you? Giving back is great for the spirit. I won’t lecture you or shame you on giving. But I believe the best way to give back is to do it for yourself.

I hope these 5 philosophies I live by will be helpful to you. If they are, please let me know, and don’t hesitate to share some of your life’s philosophies you live by.

Thank you for reading