Despite the constant negative news feeds, it's important to remember that humans are amazingly resilient.

The key, now, is HOW you choose to deal with tough times.

You get to choose how you’re going to respond.

And make no mistake about it... it is a choice.

Your choice.

You can choose to cave under the weight of your fears.

You can choose to simply endure the impact of a crisis.

Or you can choose to grow, get stronger, and flourish.

Again, the choice is yours.

It begins with understanding the idea of control.

Control (noun): the power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events.

Obviously, based on the definition, there are things in life you can control, and things you can not.

The rising of the sun, the weather, natural disasters, the passage of time, what others think of you, several diseases — these are things you can't control.

Things you can control:

• Your mindset
• Your work ethic
• How you treat others
• How often you smile,
• How well you take care of yourself
• Your level of honesty
• Your opinions
• The content of your character

Knowing the difference between what is within your control and what is not is paramount.

As Greek stoic philosopher, Epictetus, said...

“It is only after you have faced up to this fundamental rule and learned to distinguish between what you can and can’t control that inner tranquility and outer effectiveness become possible.”

See, time spent worrying about things you can not control is not only wasteful, it’s harmful.

Concerning yourself with things outside your control only creates frustration, anxiety, torment.

Because it has zero impact on the outcome.

Nothing changes from a single second spent dwelling on things outside of your control.

“Worrying doesn’t take away tomorrow’s troubles. It only takes away today’s joy.”

So the first step is recognizing what you can and can NOT control.

And the things you can’t control should be none of your concern.

They shouldn’t get a second of your time or attention.

Focus instead on what is within your control — what is naturally at your disposal and free of any external hindrance or restraint.

If there is a circumstance that’s not within your control, you can only change your thoughts about it.

And by changing your thoughts, you can control and change your feelings.

All of this to say...

Think about your current situation (faith, family, finances, and health)... and how you’re choosing to label it... has a direct impact on your emotions and how you feel.

And you already know: humans are emotional creatures.

So your feelings have a direct impact on your behavior, actions, and, therefore, your outcomes.

Remember, nothing is inherently good or bad. It’s what you choose to label it.

You can choose to view tough circumstances as opportunities to grow, get stronger, get better, and do great things despite what’s going on.

Of course, I’m here for you.

If you want to make progress in your training, you must practice strategic rest.  

Work hard and then recover smart.  

Now is the time for some recovery.  

❄️ Winter Phase 4: Week 13 

To access Week 13 of the program, go ahead and login here.

All details of the plan are inside the next page.

Check it out and then update me on your progress.

And, for what it’s worth... I believe... those who step-up and remain focused during difficult times will come out leaner, stronger, and happier.

The choice is yours.

I’m choosing to continue to move boldly.

I hope you’re with me.  

To your success,

Coach Joe

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women get leaner, stronger, and happier. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to lose weight from home, with the best online age-management personal trainer, or you want to visit the best longevity personal trainer in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.