Managing Life Outcomes

Life is not a bed of roses; it certainly has its ups and downs. Like the two sides of a coin, we all experience both good and bad times. Sometimes, it could be a setback, disappointment, limitation, suffering, lack or loss; and at other times, it could be a breakthrough in academics or successful career. Your experience in life is not the problem but the way you handle it matters. Learning how to manage whatever life throws at you and making the most of it is one skill every youth ought to equip himself with, because the vicissitudes of life spare no one. So the question is, how do you manage life ‘s outcomes?
As a youth, “Never let success get to your head. Never let failure get to your heart.” Understand that whatever you achieve in your youthful age is just a phase of your life. Achievement or breakthrough should not be an occasion for pride or arrogance. Therefore, don’t give place to pride or ego; they can destroy your destiny. Dear youth, humble yourself (James 4:9), and don’t rest on your laurels. Being successful shouldn’t make you abandon the people, principles and values that contributed to your success. Always express gratitude to God. Understand that whatever you achieve in life is not by luck; it’s all by the grace of God.
Moreover, don’t be satisfied with whatever you’ve achieved – that is just the beginning, you can achieve more. Stick to your goal in life. always give room for development in areas you deem fit. Always accept correction and when you offend people, learn to appologise. Never speak rudely to anyone; treat everyone with respect. Share your success story with other youths so you can pull them up the ladder of success along with you.
On the other hand, negative circumstances such as failure or challenges are painful experiences in life; they hurt. Notwithstanding, your attitude determines whether you will master the situation or not. “A person with the right attitude says to himself or herself, I may be here in this situation, but it doesn’t mean I have to stay here. When faced with a challenge, do you ask: why me? Or do you accept the opportunity for you to grow? Thomas Edison had the right attitude when he said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
As a youth, you should also be optimistic in every negative circumstances. Never give room for depression and frustration in your challenges; neither should you indulge in social vices such as drug abuse, violence, drunkenness, and so on. Whatever you encounter in life, you must “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:9). Understand that “Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure.” More importantly, ensure you have a personal relationship with God of all situations. Trust Him with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Whatever you’re going through in life, stay focused on God, cast all your cares on Him (1Peter 5:7), be prayerful and He’ll come through for you.
             -  Christian Women Mirror Magazine