Why You Should Take Life Personally

We’re constantly told not to take things personally. And when it comes to criticism, rejection, or others' opinions, that can be good advice. But what if there are some things in life you should take personally, like your dreams, your growth, your potential, and the life you say you want? Success requires more than having a dream. It requires showing up, bringing the right attitude, and being willing to fight through the moments when everything gets difficult.

You Have to Show Up

I heard a saying a while back: “50% of success is showing up. 40% is showing up with the right attitude. And the final 10% is a dogfight.” While there’s no science to back up those exact percentages, there’s a powerful lesson in the statement.

Whether in life or in your career, you have to show up before you can make progress. You can’t build the business, become the leader, achieve the goal, or create the life you want by simply thinking about it. Sometimes success begins with something as simple as refusing to stay on the sidelines.

Your Attitude Matters

Showing up is important, but how you show up matters too. Two people can face the same obstacle and respond completely differently. One sees a setback as proof they should quit. The other sees it as an opportunity to learn, adjust, and become stronger.

It is a fact that you can’t control every circumstance, but you do have a choice in how you respond. Your attitude can determine whether a difficult season becomes an excuse or becomes part of your development.

Everything Worth Having Requires a Fight

Eventually, every worthwhile goal will test you. Motivation will fade. Progress may slow down. People may doubt you. You may even begin to doubt yourself. That’s the final 10%; the fight.

Interestingly, you may not get everything you fight for, but everything truly valuable will require a fight. Sometimes that fight is against rejection. Sometimes it’s against distraction, procrastination, fear, or your own excuses. And sometimes, the biggest fight is the one happening between your ears.

Final Thought

As you embrace the days, months and years ahead, take life personally. Take your dreams personally. Take your growth personally. Take your potential personally. Take responsibility for becoming the person you know you can become. Show up when you don’t feel like it. Bring the right attitude when circumstances aren’t ideal. And when things get hard, don’t immediately assume it’s time to quit. Maybe it’s time to fight a little harder. Don’t just want the life you say you want. Take it personally. Fight for it. And become unstoppable.

About the Author

Dr. Floyd Spence is a Motivational Keynote Speaker, Global High Performance Coach, and a recognized high-performance expert. Through speaking and coaching, he helps high achievers master their mind, build mental toughness, unlock their highest potential, and become unstoppable in life, leadership, and business.