Today has been “one of those days.” You know the ones. You’ve probably lived more than a few of them. The days that start with high expectations, but somehow go horribly wrong? Yeah, I thought you might be able to relate. 

I had an important project to complete today. It shouldn’t have taken long, maybe an hour. It was the first thing that I started working on this morning. I was excited to finally be making progress and getting it done! But that didn’t really happen.

My easy “fill in the boxes” type of project turned into a confusing mess of jumbled frustration. Rather than successful completion and celebration, I have more work and an unsatisfying waiting period. 

https://images.pexels.com/photos/140945/pexels-photo-140945.jpeg?w=940&h=650&auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb
*Maybe part of the problem was typing in Russian when I don't speak Russian!* 
[source](https://images.pexels.com/photos/140945/pexels-photo-140945.jpeg?w=940&h=650&auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb)

### Overcomer State of Mind

I recently posted about how [Your Ex is not Your Next.]( https://steemit.com/life/@themanwithnoname/your-ex-is-not-your-next) In that article I talked about how it’s important not to let your past experiences negatively color your expectations of the future. Just because things didn’t go well with the last person, company, or experience, doesn’t mean that the next one will be bad too. Don’t prejudge. 

I also talked about a friend who had negative experiences, but kept a positive state of mind. She didn’t let undesired events keep her from achieving her desired results. It took longer than expected and required more work than desired, she got where she wanted to go. She didn’t let the failure affect her long-term goals.

I really admire people who don’t let their circumstances affect their goals. They’re the ones who “pull themselves up by their bootstraps.” They have the grit and determination to get through whatever life throws at them. They’re NOBODY’S victim. ***They*** are in charge of their own destiny and will not be dissuaded, even when it seems that everything is against them.
 
![darryl meme.JPG](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1519853357/gj0f4p8i3nqs4tp2gm1k.jpg)
*I Control My Destiny* - Meme I made of Darryl from "The Office"

### Control Your Destiny

There are some people who just wait around and see what life is going to bring them. If it’s “good,” they’re happy… for a while. If it’s “bad,” they complain. They’re victims of whatever life brings along. For whatever reasons, they don’t take the time or make the effort necessary to change things from where they are to where they should be. 

If you let life’s circumstances dictate how you feel about life, or even yourself, you will be severely disappointed. If you let that disappointment change your outlook, your vision, you *goals,* then you’ve already lost. Those new goals are going to be negative and you’ll reach them… which will further drag you down. Stop the cycle now!

While I believe that “good” and “bad” things can happy to anyone, I won’t let circumstances have the last word. I will NOT live that way. I get to decide how things affect me, and I choose not to let it bring me down. I *will* continue on. And I’m even going to try to be happy while doing it!

> "Whether you plan to fail or plan to succeed, you will reach your goals. Aim for something worthwhile."
> -themanwithnoname


### The Way Out

If you’re struggling with discouragement with the way things are going, then say something nice about yourself right now. Really!

Here are some great examples:
- I am strong
- I will not give up
- I will not be overcome
- I will continue on
- I will succeed

https://images.pexels.com/photos/725255/pexels-photo-725255.jpeg?w=940&h=650&auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb
*Celebrate Your Successes*
[source](https://images.pexels.com/photos/725255/pexels-photo-725255.jpeg?w=940&h=650&auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb)

Good, now think of some of your own. Give yourself credit for what you accomplish. That will help you remember that you have control over *some things* already, so you don't have to be controlled by the discouragements and setbacks in life either!

- Didn’t go to work today, but you cleaned the dishes? Give yourself credit!
- Didn’t win the game, but you played your hardest? Give yourself credit!

### Next Steps

Give yourself credit for the things you do, be kind to yourself, and set your mind on positive goals. Then, get out there and make it happen.

Don’t be distracted, don’t be discouraged, and don’t give up. You will get through this! Better things are yet to be… and you can make them happen. 
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Thanks for reading. If you found this helpful, please consider upvoting and commenting. 
	
[![Ono mini.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1519853263/jfe9iubfdf4xrfrk1dmj.png)
 ](https://steemit.com/@themanwithnoname)

Note: Not life advice. The ideas presented here are for informational/entertainment purposes only. Do your own research. Make your own decisions. Use Wisdom if it’s available, common sense if it’s not. Seek counsel from trusted advisors if you so desire. Again, your choices are your own.
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### - What Do You Do When Things Don’t Go Your Way?

### - What Are Some Things You Do to Stay Positive?