Remembering Your Wins

If you’ve ever stood in the middle of a storm and thought, How am I going to get through this?, I want you to know—you already have everything you need. How do I know? Because you’ve done it before. That’s the beauty of life: every challenge we face leaves behind a breadcrumb trail of strength, resilience, and victories we can draw from.

I’ve been there. I’ve felt the weight of adversity pressing down so hard it was suffocating. Back when I was lying in that hospital bed, paralyzed and unable to move 75% of my body, the doctors painted a picture of my future that felt bleak. They said, “Ian, you’ll never walk again without crutches. You’ll never run. You need to prepare for a very different life.” And for a moment, I believed them.

But then something clicked. I remembered a moment from years before—a grueling training session when my coach kept pushing, even when I felt like I had nothing left to give. He said, “Ian, you’re stronger than you think. Keep going.” I remembered the burn in my legs, the sweat pouring down my face, and the moment I crossed the finish line, knowing I had more in me than I realized. That memory wasn’t just a story; it was a tool. It was proof that I had faced hard things before and could do it again.

That’s where the “R” in my RINSE framework comes from: Remember.

When life throws us curveballs, our first instinct is often to doubt ourselves. But here’s the truth: you’ve already climbed mountains. You’ve faced challenges that seemed insurmountable, and you came out stronger. Maybe it was acing an exam you thought you’d fail, landing a job when the odds were stacked against you, or simply getting out of bed on a day when everything felt heavy. Those moments matter.

Here’s how you can tap into that power:

1. Build Your Victory Wall:
   Take a moment today—right now even—and think back to three times in your life when you overcame something difficult. Write them down. Keep them somewhere visible: a sticky note on your bathroom mirror, a note in your phone, or even a physical board with photos and mementos. This is your proof that you’ve done hard things before.

2. Pause and Reflect:
   The next time you’re in the thick of it and feel like giving up, pause. Take a deep breath. Say to yourself, “I’ve been here before. I’ve felt like this before, and I made it through. I can do it again.”

3. Tell Your Story:
   There’s power in speaking your truth. Share your victories—big or small—with someone else. It doesn’t just remind you of your strength; it inspires others to find theirs.

Remembering isn’t just about nostalgia or feel-good moments. It’s about anchoring yourself to the truth of who you are. You are someone who doesn’t quit. You are someone who perseveres. You are someone who has proven, time and time again, that you can rise above.

So the next time you’re staring down a challenge, whether it’s a work deadline, a health setback, or just a day that feels like too much, dig into that metaphysical backpack of yours. Pull out the proof. Remind yourself: I’ve got this. I’ve done hard things before, and I can do it again.

Because you can. And you will. Ready to transform challenges into victories? Book a free consultation with Ian today and take the first step toward unlocking your true potential.