To say the first five months of 2020 have been difficult would be a massive understatement. We've experienced more fear, anger, adversity, and uncertainty in the last three months than we have in the last 30 years...

And it's left a lot of us feeling very anxious and out of balance. In my life, when I've found myself facing adversity, or feeling fearful, I always go back to the basics.

I remind myself of simple principles that give me perspective and help me stay grounded. 

This morning I found myself reading through my highlights in "As A Man Thinketh" and they reminded me of a few principles that have really helped me move forward regardless of the obstacle I'm facing, and I'd like to share a few with you. 


PRINCIPLE: Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself. 

This is one of my all-time favorite principles and is something I live my life by.
As men, we find out who we are when we are tested.

When our back is against the wall, sh*t is hitting the fan and all hell is breaking loose around us, we find out who we really are. How we react, what actions we take, or don't take. 

It's in these moments that our true character is revealed. When these discovery moments arise, I always ask myself one simple question...

"Will I be proud of the character that I have revealed when I look back at this moment?" 

If the answer is no, it's time to grow! 

PRINCIPLE: Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are. 

I whole-heartedly believe this principle with every fiber of my being. I believe if I want to experience more love, joy, wealth, or abundance in any area, I must go out and earn it.

I am entitled to nothing! 

In life, the simple truth is we don't get what we want; we get what we earn! 
We get who we become.  As you think, feel, and act, you become. It's as simple as that. 

"Prayers are only harvested when they are harmonized with thoughts and actions!"

PRINCIPLE: Man is made or unmade by himself! 

This is another timeless principle that I absolutely love. As much as it may suck to hear, the bottom line is...

Your life is your fault.

Now, I know what you might be thinking...

"Mink, that's BULLSH*T!"

COVID-19 isn't my fault.

Jobs lost and businesses shut down are not my fault. 

Riots and civil unrest are not my fault!

And I agree, those circumstances are not your fault. 

What happens outside of your control is not your fault, but how you respond is.  What you do, how you react and the way you respond is absolutely your fault...

And what you choose to do will have the BIGGEST impact on your life. Sh*t is going to happen; you cannot control that. 

What you do when it happens will determine the direction, quality, and way you live...

And that is up to you. Your life (how you react and respond) is your fault. 

I know it can be an uncomfortable idea, but I would encourage you to play with it and potentially adopt it as your own. 

When you get to a place of radical ownership and responsibility, you become unstoppable and that's what I want for you. 

I want you to look, feel, and be your best. To be unstoppable in your pursuit of being the best man you can be. 

If you enjoyed this, please share it with anyone you know that might find it valuable, and pick up a copy of "As A Man Thinketh."

No more than ever, as men, it's time for us to step up and be the leaders we are born to be. 

Let's lead from a place of love and compassion, let's lead with our heart and be a force for good in the world.

"As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." - James Allen