The Ups And Down In Life

The idea has been taken from the book Peaks and Valleys by Spencer Johnson, which contains a short parable that focuses on how to lead your life during the ups and down phase. In other words how to manage yourself while going through the good and bad times.

Ups and Down In Life

The story goes like this —

A young man lives unhappily in a valley. One day he meets an old man who lives on a mountain peak. At first, the young man doesn’t realize that he is talking to one of the most peaceful and successful people in the world. But in the course of further encounters and conversations, the young man comes to understand that he can apply the old man’s remarkable principles and practical tools to his own life to change it for the better.

Key takeaways -

Peaks And Valleys Are Connected in Two Ways:

> The Errors You Make In Today’s Good Times Create Tomorrow’s Bad Times.

> And The Wise Things You Do In Today’s Bad Times Create Tomorrow’s Good Times.

The secret is to truly appreciate and enjoy each time for what it is, while you are living it.

What’s the key to enjoying every situation in our life? Look for the lessons and be grateful for them.

In fact, gratitude is the key to happiness in any situation.

> Peaks Are Moments When You Appreciate What You Have.

> Valleys Are Moments When You Long For What Is Missing.

If you want to have fewer Valleys, avoid comparisons to others. The only comparison you should be making is your current self with your future self.

If you enjoy or appreciate what’s good about the moment, you feel more like you are at a Peak.

The Path Out Of The Valley Appears When You Choose To See Things Differently.

The Most Common Reason You Leave a Peak Too Soon is Arrogance.

The Most Common Reason You Stay in a Valley Too Long is Fear.

When you put your ego aside, you are more likely to leave a Valley sooner.

Always find the best way to get through a Valley begins with gratitude.

As per Bhagavad Gita, ‘Yadrccha-labha-santusto Dvandvatito Vimatsarah. ‘ Whatever is coming to you, you should have some level of contentment and with contentment comes gratitude. If you are discontent, how can you be grateful?

Avoid Believing Things Are Better Than They Really Are When You Are On A Peak — Arrogance masquerading as confidence.

Or Worse Than They Really Are When You Are In A Valley — Fear masquerading as comfort.

“Make Reality Your Friend”

A personal Peak is a triumph over fear. You create a Peak when you truly follow your vision. Your fear fades and you become more peaceful and successful.

“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude”

If you have liked or read the book ‘Who Moved My Cheese’, you are definitely going to love this book.