6 Mantras to Repeat When Going Through Hard Times

6 Mantras to Repeat When Going Through Hard Times 6 Mantras to Repeat When Going Through Hard Times Image Source: iStockMantras, in the Hindu and Buddhist religions, are words or sounds repeated inwardly to aid focus in meditation. In the Western world, mantra is now  used to describe everything from a frequently repeated slogan or set of statements (often associated with particular political parties) or a motivational aid towards achievements. They are also used by many as a key aid when going through hard times.They are personalised, inwardly-repeated catalysts for change, and can be a powerful tool. For example, US management guru Tom Peters once advised organisations that the bottom line was an elementary choiceâ€"to be distinct or extinct.  â€œDistinct or extinct” is the kind of mantra that perfectly focuses the mind on doing what is necessary to succeed.In todays fast-paced business world, a positive, focused attitude is vital for staying on top of your schedule, whether working on the road, or in an office with peers or leading teams.The mantra can be especially powerful w hen times get tough, as they often will. Here are six  of the best, from such remarkable figures from history as former US President Lyndon B Johnson,  children’s author AA Milne, and television producer Mark Burnett.Above all, think of two things: firstly remember, as Henry Ford did when everything seemed to be going against him, that “the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it”.Secondly, consider the words of William Hazlitt from 1826: “Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity is a greater. Possession pampers the mind; privation trains and strengthens it.” (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 1. “I Will Do My Best.” Image Source: Amazon“I will  do my best. That is all I can do,” said former US President Lyndon B Johnson.When  energy is flagging, and you have an important decision or event to face, the worst thing you could do is take the perfectionist approach. If you do not leave an error or flaw margin, your anxiety will go through the roof.So always remember the late President Johnson’s words. Giving the best of yourself in any one  moment really is all that you can do. Have a little empathy for yourself. Check Price 2. “Let it Go.”“Stop torturing yourself over things that don’t matter. Let it go,” said Alice Brockes.The  advice widely attributed  to Ms  Brockes  can be a powerful mantra during the tough times when minor problems can become hugely amplified.It’s important to realise that the apparently major worries and concerns of today will not matter so much in 12 months time. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 3. “You’re Braver Than you Believe…”“You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think,” was what author AA Milne’s Christopher Robin told Pooh in  Winnie the Pooh.There  will be times when problems get amplified, and genuinely serious issues, such as sickness or bereavement, can seem insurmountable.Feeling that you will not recover is self defeating. Think of Christopher Robin, and also of Mahatma Gandhis insight that strength comes not from physical capacity, but from “an indomitable will”.4. “Accept It.”“Realise youre going to fail, all the time, and accept it,” is the mantra of one of the world’s most successful television producers, Mark Burnett. Image Source: AmazonGetting out of the comfort zone regularly, experiencing emotions and prospects that make you uncomortable or even frightened will toughen your ‘mental hide’ for the rough patches. Sometimes, as Mark Burnett notes, you will have no control over bad situations. But whether you’re preparing, or suddenly thrust into tough times, all the time you  are psychologically upskilling, strengthening your capacity to deal  with unpleasant situations. Check Price (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 5. “Take Action on Things You Can Change…” Image Source: AmazonNoted  behaviour scientist and author Dr St eve Maraboli writes: “Free yourself from fruitless worry, seize the day, and take effective action on things you can change.”And  indeed, the most important thing of all is its important to take responsibility for yourself. You have to focus on what you can controlâ€"how to think, feel, and behave.This is the key to making the best of a bad lot, which is the first step towards making a change for the better. Check Price 6. “It’s Not How Often You’re Knocked Down…” Image Source: Amazon“Champ, the measure of a man is not how often he is knocked down, but how quickly he gets up.” The former  US  Vice  President Joe Biden has often  paid tribute to  his father’s  words in speeches.Appropriated by  Sylvester Stallone  for the Rocky boxing movie series, Biden’s father’s  words  are a potent reminder of how powerful it can be to focus on times when you previously endured adversity.Biden’s speeches and writings in his book Promises to Keep: On Life Politics provid es deeper context for his understanding that it’s the triumphs that occur during the rough patches of your life that help you flex the necessary muscle to deal with unpleasant situations in the present. Check Price 6 Mantras to Repeat When Going Through Hard Times 6 Mantras to Repeat When Going Through Hard Times Image Source: iStockMantras, in the Hindu and Buddhist religions, are words or sounds repeated inwardly to aid focus in meditation. In the Western world, mantra is now  used to describe everything from a frequently repeated slogan or set of statements (often associated with particular political parties) or a motivational aid towards achievements. They are also used by many as a key aid when going through hard times.They are personalised, inwardly-repeated catalysts for change, and can be a powerful tool. For example, US management guru Tom Peters once advised organisations that the bottom line was an elementary choiceâ€"to be distinct or extinct.  â€œDistinct or extinct” is the kind of mantra that perfectly focuses the mind on doing what is necessary to succeed.In todays fast-paced business world, a positive, focused attitude is vital for staying on top of your schedule, whether working on the road, or in an office with peers or leading teams.The mantra can be especially powerful w hen times get tough, as they often will. Here are six  of the best, from such remarkable figures from history as former US President Lyndon B Johnson,  children’s author AA Milne, and television producer Mark Burnett.Above all, think of two things: firstly remember, as Henry Ford did when everything seemed to be going against him, that “the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it”.Secondly, consider the words of William Hazlitt from 1826: “Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity is a greater. Possession pampers the mind; privation trains and strengthens it.” (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 1. “I Will Do My Best.” Image Source: Amazon“I will  do my best. That is all I can do,” said former US President Lyndon B Johnson.When  energy is flagging, and you have an important decision or event to face, the worst thing you could do is take the perfectionist approach. If you do not leave an error or flaw margin, your anxiety will go through the roof.So always remember the late President Johnson’s words. Giving the best of yourself in any one  moment really is all that you can do. Have a little empathy for yourself. Check Price 2. “Let it Go.”“Stop torturing yourself over things that don’t matter. Let it go,” said Alice Brockes.The  advice widely attributed  to Ms  Brockes  can be a powerful mantra during the tough times when minor problems can become hugely amplified.It’s important to realise that the apparently major worries and concerns of today will not matter so much in 12 months time. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 3. “You’re Braver Than you Believe…”“You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think,” was what author AA Milne’s Christopher Robin told Pooh in  Winnie the Pooh.There  will be times when problems get amplified, and genuinely serious issues, such as sickness or bereavement, can seem insurmountable.Feeling that you will not recover is self defeating. Think of Christopher Robin, and also of Mahatma Gandhis insight that strength comes not from physical capacity, but from “an indomitable will”.4. “Accept It.”“Realise youre going to fail, all the time, and accept it,” is the mantra of one of the world’s most successful television producers, Mark Burnett. Image Source: AmazonGetting out of the comfort zone regularly, experiencing emotions and prospects that make you uncomortable or even frightened will toughen your ‘mental hide’ for the rough patches. Sometimes, as Mark Burnett notes, you will have no control over bad situations. But whether you’re preparing, or suddenly thrust into tough times, all the time you  are psychologically upskilling, strengthening your capacity to deal  with unpleasant situations. Check Price (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 5. “Take Action on Things You Can Change…” Image Source: AmazonNoted  behaviour scientist and author Dr St eve Maraboli writes: “Free yourself from fruitless worry, seize the day, and take effective action on things you can change.”And  indeed, the most important thing of all is its important to take responsibility for yourself. You have to focus on what you can controlâ€"how to think, feel, and behave.This is the key to making the best of a bad lot, which is the first step towards making a change for the better. Check Price 6. “It’s Not How Often You’re Knocked Down…” Image Source: Amazon“Champ, the measure of a man is not how often he is knocked down, but how quickly he gets up.” The former  US  Vice  President Joe Biden has often  paid tribute to  his father’s  words in speeches.Appropriated by  Sylvester Stallone  for the Rocky boxing movie series, Biden’s father’s  words  are a potent reminder of how powerful it can be to focus on times when you previously endured adversity.Biden’s speeches and writings in his book Promises to Keep: On Life Politics provid es deeper context for his understanding that it’s the triumphs that occur during the rough patches of your life that help you flex the necessary muscle to deal with unpleasant situations in the present. Check Price