Luck and Life: Navigating Life's Unfairness with
Proactive Solutions
Hello everyone,
Today, I want to delve into a subject that has been particularly resonant for me lately: luck and life. The stark reality is that life is not fair, and it owes us nothing. This might sound harsh, but it's a truth that, once accepted, can fundamentally change our approach to adversity. I am Kevin Brittain, and on consecutive day 1,639 of my journey with Runpreneur, I'm inspired to share some insights that could help you navigate through life's challenges.
The Unfair Nature of Life
Life is inherently unpredictable. It can deal you a handful of misfortune or shower you with unearned luck. Many people find themselves lamenting their bad luck while envying others who appear to have it all. But the central message here is that life is not fair, and it's vital to come to terms with this reality. Over the past month, I have personally faced some of the toughest trials I could have imagined. After a couple of years when everything seemed to be going perfectly, life's unpredictability came crashing in. Everything seemed interlinked, creating a challenging web that tested me at every turn.
Dealing with Adversity
There are moments when we naturally feel sorry for ourselves. It’s a human reaction to adversity. However, I quickly realised that wallowing in self-pity does nothing to improve the situation. Instead, it's far more productive to view challenges as opportunities for growth and problem-solving.
One concept that has profoundly helped me navigate difficult times is my acronym "oche," the distance between the dart thrower and the dartboard. This acronym stands for:
Opportunity: Every problem is an opportunity waiting to be solved.
Control: Focus on what you can control, and let go of what you can't.
Have a Plan: Develop an actionable plan based on the elements you can control.
Emotion: Remove emotion from the decision-making process because it clouds judgement and hampers progress.
By applying OCHE, I have been able to remain proactive and positive, even when life's challenges seem overwhelming.
Perspective and Gratitude
Another crucial aspect of dealing with life's unfairness is gratitude and perspective. Recently, we had Children in Need Day in the UK, which supports vulnerable children and families. Watching the storeys of these children, who face far greater adversities than many of us can imagine, puts our own struggles into perspective. Despite their challenges, many of these children and their families face their hardships with a smile. This is a powerful reminder to focus on what we can do, rather than what's been done to us.
Proactive Problem-Solving
Being proactive is the cornerstone of navigating life's challenges. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and start focusing on what action you can take. Life is not always going to be fair, and it’s often not the deserving ones who get the luck. But irrespective of our circumstances, adopting a proactive approach can lead us to solutions and personal growth.
In discussions about life's challenges, some might think my struggles are insignificant, while others might see them as monumental. But what matters is how I perceive and deal with them. Talking about it today has helped me put my feelings into perspective, and OCHE has continuously helped me keep a level head.
Final Thoughts
To encapsulate today's reflections: life isn't fair, and that's a fact we need to accept. Instead of focusing on the inherent unfairness, it's essential to remain proactive, utilise frameworks like OCHE, and always keep things in perspective. Celebrate your wins, reflect on your losses, but don't let emotions dictate your path forward.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. If you believe in the mission of saving children's lives by supporting my ultimate ultra marathon of run vlogging on consecutive days for a distance of a lap of the world barefoot style, please subscribe, share, like, and comment. The more people we reach, the more funds we raise, and the more children's lives we save. Stay positive, stay happy, and I'll see you again tomorrow.
Best, Kevin Brittain