Fit for Life: Do You Ever feel Like we are Put on Earth to be Tested?

Saturday, February 15, 2020

Matt Espeut, GoLocalWorcester Health +Lifestyle Contributor

Matt Espeut

Let’s face it, life isn’t easy. The faster we realize that, the faster we can focus on problem-solving, and creating solutions rather than dwelling on the negative instances that happen to us.

We will NEVER be in a position when life is perfect.

Yes, there are instances when we go through something that gets off without a hitch, but not very often, and when you look behind the scenes of something that seemed perfect, it usually isn’t.

We have been tested since the beginning of time.

From trying to outrun predators, battling the British in the snow, fighting wars, diseases, the elements, and dealing with adversity, character tests are a big part of human life.

The fact of the matter is, it takes a lot of emotional discipline to be able to pass life’s daily tests without having a breakdown, or becoming over-reactive towards situations, and acting irrationally.

I was tested several times this past week, and due to a stronger sense of emotional discipline than I had in the past, I kept it together without being over-reactive, or letting myself get too discouraged.

First, my flight got delayed, and if I would have given up hope and didn’t plead with the woman at the ticket counter, I would have missed the first day of my conference.

Instead, I kept it together, looked for solutions, got resourceful, and got there on time despite being rerouted to spend the night in Vegas.

The situation wasn’t ideal, and it cost me extra money, but I solved the problem and passed the test without getting irrational, or overly discouraged or stressed out.

Fast forward 2 days later, and someone smashes into, and totals my rental car while it was parked on the street.

I had no idea what to do because this never happened to me before, so I called the rental company.

I was kept on hold for 45 minutes, and I’m not going to lie, I instinctively got irrational, and started talking to the person on the other end with an irritated, tone of voice.

After realizing that I was getting nowhere with my aggressive behavior, I toned it down, apologized (even though the person on the other end was being incredibly difficult) and got another rental.

It took 3 hours, but I was on the road to the next destination.

The bottom line is everything worked out and I didn’t miss a beat whereas being irrational or giving up on the mission would have netted me a negative result, and I probably would have missed day 1 of my second conference.

I learned from my Navy Seal friend to look at every situation through 3 lenses.

Best, average and worst-case scenario.

When we get tested, or face a situation, there is usually more than one outcome that can happen, so look at the best possible option, than look at the worst thing that can happen, and you will usually find a way to figure things out without stressing over it or experiencing a feeling of negativity or fear.

Remember to control the things in your life that you can, learn how to deal with the things that you can’t and look at the bright side of every scenario, because when you do, you will be living a life with less stress, anxiety, and negative energy.

If you complain about the weather, gossip about other people, watch the news, which is filled with negative content, complain about your job, or get excessively angry when things don’t go your way, you are failing the tests in life that come your way.

It’s not until you can deal with these things without feelings of anger and negativity that you will start passing life’s tests.

Keep in mind that when we pass the tests, and deal with all the adversity and less than perfect situations we will encounter, is when we start to get stronger and more resilient.

We take tests in school to get smarter. We test ourselves in the gym to get physically stronger, and we need to mentally accept life tests in order to strengthen our emotional discipline.

So, in conclusion, it’s mandatory to use tests as a way to grow, get smarter and stronger.

As with everything, it takes work, and consistency to develop habits that will help us deal with all that life will throw our way.

We need to be constantly reading and working on our emotional discipline in order to change our thought processes.

If you are willing to hold yourself accountable, do the work, and change your thought process, you will have an easier time dealing with adversity and passing life’s tests with ease!!

Committed to your success,

Matt Espeut, GoLocal's Health & Lifestyle Contributor has been a personal trainer and health & fitness consultant for over 25 years. He is the owner of Fitness Profiles, a one on one, and small group personal training company, as well as Providence Fit Body Boot Camp, located at 1284 North Main St., on the Providence/Pawtucket line. You can reach Matt at (401) 453-3200; on Facebook at "Matt Espeut", and on Twitter at @MattEspeut. "We’re all in this life together – let’s make it a healthy one.