In day to day life there are certain situations which will arise that will require you to be at your best. Things will come along to test your resolve and I believe preparation is the key to making it through these events; relatively unscathed. There will always be an element of surprise that you can never predict but you can still put yourself in the right frame of mind to cope appreciate the unexpected and take it in your stride.
I’ve devised a set of 7 kick-ass mini-meditations, if you will, which have helped steer me well in times of adversity or that have helped keep me balanced and in check.
1. At Crucial Turning Points
Thought: No matter the outcome, I will remain happy.
This thought has helped me immensely through some challenging times. It is particularly useful when dealing with erratic thoughts with regard to something that hasn’t happened yet. It could be waiting on a decision for a job interview or in my case, waiting to find out if I’ve got a speeding ticket or not! 
Whatever the scenario, just say the above incantation to yourself and know that it is out of your hands, all you can do is remain happy.
2. At Social Events
Thought: I don’t have to be anything except be Amit Sodha.
Yes, you can pretend to be me or where I’ve entered my name, replace it with yours. 
This is particularly useful when in intimidating social settings. Maybe you’re surrounded by celebrities or top business people. Either way, this is a very powerful thought to have. This is also a good one if you’re a man intimidated by beautiful women and you end up doing silly things on dates or trying too hard. Just say this to yourself over and over again as a good reminder to relax and just be you.
3. Surrounded By People
Thought: Am I the influencer, or the influencee?
If you are often in environments where you’re surrounded by a certain kind of negative energy, you’ve got to be real and ask yourself: Am I the influencer or the influencee? It will quickly make you realise your place in that setting and set you on the right path. The phrase ‘you’re a bad influence on me’ is often used in jest but the truth is that I know where I’d rather be in that equation. I want to be the influencer always.
4. In Competitive Scenarios
Thought: I’m not here to win, I’m here to play my best.
Winning is a powerful mindset but the antithesis is, of course, the fear of losing. If not properly channeled the fear of losing can take over. I would genuinely rather lose and play well than to win easily. Winning easily to me is not fulfilling so when I play someone equal to, or better than me, I appreciate the challenge and remember that the winning part is not the victory to me, it is playing my best with dignity.
5. Under Fire
Thought: Not everyone will understand my intentions.
I’m a firm believer that you can’t be liked by or please everyone. Not everyone will understand the actions you take or the reasons you do so. When coming under fire for making such decisions you may face resistance and even be tempted to sway. This thought is an extremely powerful reminder of your reasons. You might, for example, choose to stop being a shoulder to cry on for someone. They may see you as deserting them, but your intentions may be to give them space to grow.
6. To Relax
Thought: Chillax!
A hybrid of chill and relax this simple word reminds me sometimes to just relax and not to take things to seriously. This one is one I use often when doing my show, playing badminton or when approaching a deadline! I don’t perform well when I stress myself out over deadlines so when I feel my thoughts racing this is one I use which keep me calm and focused.
7. To Make Healthy Choices
Thought: Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels.
This is actually an edit to an already well know saying which is ‘nothing tastes as good as thin feels.’ I don’t like the word thin and it did nothing for me. When I replaced it with the word healthy it had a totally different effect. This affirmation is very useful for taking care of ones health.
P.S. Did you find those useful? What key thoughts, affirmations, incantations do you use?
P.P.S Happy Groundhog day!
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“I don’t have to be anything except be Amit Sodha.” I don;t think I can be that funny
)
Nice tips Amit. Affirmations like these can be good reminders to stop from taking things to seriously and actually enjoy life.
Eduard
New at Eduard @ Ideas With A Kick’s blog ..The Law of Attraction vs. Science
Twitter: eduardezeanu
LOL I’m not that funny but I reckon you’d have the stuff to do stand-up Eduard!
New at Amit Sodha’s blog ..7 Enlightened Thoughts For A Kick-Ass Day
Twitter: amitsodha
Love those thoughts, Amit! I have a big social event to attend today, so I’ll definitely keep the – “I don’t have to be anyone except myself and not everyone will understand my intentions” in mind. I plan on networking and marketing my business alot, some people might not like nor need it, but since I firmly believe that some will benefit from it, I am going to try and reach them.
Thank you for a great post as always!
New at Lana – Dreamfollowers Blog’s blog ..How To Clear Your Limiting Beliefs
That’s fab Lana, let me know how it goes and if those thoughts came in handy!
Twitter: amitsodha
Great thoughts! I especially like number #5 ‘Not everyone will understand my intentions.’ This is so true, and we can create a lot of pressure on ourselves by trying to make everyone understand, or by feeling misunderstood. Thanks for sharing these excellent tips
New at amanda@choosing-life-my-way.com’s blog ..To Jump For Joy Is Good for Your Soul
Twitter: amandajharvey
Anytime Amanda and thanks for sharing! x
Twitter: amitsodha
Good tips.
I would #8 Having no expectations also helps with disappointment.
New at Zengirl’s blog ..You are richer than you think!
That’s a good one Zengirl. It’s one one actually remind myself of quite often!
Twitter: amitsodha
Excellent tips! It’s important to be aware of these and experiment, and simply by practice we become more and more present in every situation. In the end, we have to engage with life to learn! Thanks for the pointers!
New at Kaushik’s blog ..A Handbook of Awakening
No problem kaushik and thank you for your input and the reminder to stay in the present!
Twitter: amitsodha
Amit, excellent tips as usual!
I practiced saying a few times “I don’t have to be anything except be AMIT SODHA” and suddenly I was all positive, bubbly and full of energy:-)
I have one more for you – “All of life comes to me with ease, joy and glory”
This is something I picked up from an Access presentation last November and I have been using it quite a bit.
New at Arvind Devalia’s blog ..Let Your Life Be Your Message
Twitter: arvinddevalia
I like that one Arvind, I too use something similar for wealth.
Twitter: amitsodha
These are all really great affirmations. If we all thought in this manner I believe we would all be much happier, inspired, and successful. Great article – keep up the good work!
New at Steven | The Emotion Machine’s blog ..Mindful Risk-Taking: In Life And In Business
Thank you Steven, I really appreciate the feedback and comments!
Twitter: amitsodha
Good post, I like the way you craft your posts.
New at Nimit Kashyap’s blog ..Free Wordpress Theme Tipz To Design Your Blog
Twitter: CoreBloggers
Thanks Nimit. Also thanks for you post on that free theme, i recommended it to a friend the other day!
Twitter: amitsodha
It’s truly necessary to stay happy. Keep your thought posiitve in the now, then you’ll be successful. People are not happy because they are successful. There are successful because they are happy. Be happy and success has to come.
So what makes you happy AMIT?
New at Jonathan Figaro’s blog ..Your Dying If your Not Using Your Imagination
Lots of things, doing comedy, doing radio, life coaching people, writing this blog, when a post gets loads of comments like this, working with kids and disabled kids, speaking in front of audiences, playing badminton, hanging out in cafe’s with friends just chatting, going out for dinner, going to the movies…maybe that’s why I’m such happy chappy because I do all the things I love doing!
How about you Jonathan?
Twitter: amitsodha
This is a great delivery of VALUE and INSPIRATION. Thanks. Number 1 and 2 rocks and it is such a relief seeing it coming from another person.
Number 4 is SOLID. It reminds me of the movie The Legend of Bagger Vance which i find very inspiring and maybe need to blog about it. In it, there is a very interesting quote about golf: IT IS A GAME TO BE PLAYED, NOT WON.
Maybe professional golfers may not agree with this… and rightly so, but that quote speaks volumes about the purpose of life….TO BE PLAYED, NOT WON. And for me, THAT is the whole point behind the movie, the Legend of Bagger Vance
New at Christopher Kabamba’s blog ..Why the Science of Success Theory is Flawed
Twitter: chriskabamba
Wow Chris thanks for recommending the movie! I’ve heard of it but never seen it! I’m off to see if I can find it on DVD so I can check it out!
Twitter: amitsodha
I think you’re all wonderful people and I’m so glad I found this site!
Thanks for the comments Stephane, I believe you and I work at the same company so I appreciate the feedback!
Twitter: amitsodha
Hi Amit, Talk about intelligence and wisdom. WOW! This is amazing. It is the BEST list of this kind that I have EVER seen. I love every single one of them, but got shivers over #1, 2 & 3. It’s as if you knew me and spoke those right at me specifically. #1 is a choice I made when I was 25 and have lived by every since. So I resonate with it deeply. And # 2 & 3 I just needed to hear and remember again. They are topnotch. What a creative post. So cleanly simple and yet absolutely life altering when implemented. Thank you, Amit. Robin
New at Robin Easton’s blog ..The Power of Our Beliefs
Hey Robin,
Wow that is a seriously powerful compliment, one for which I am eternally grateful. It’s amazing that you came here today of all days and that I went to you and found out about your past and how we share a similar bio growing up. Maybe these are all the best blessings ever that shape us into who we become!
x
Twitter: amitsodha
Wish I could have you whisper all this in my ear as I go about my day. Great reminder of how to move peacefully through the world.
I’m now follwing you on Twitter. I’m @Wifsie
Twitter: wifsie
LOL I had to re-read that comment a few times, ‘did she want me to whisper these to her?’ and of course the answer is yes, anytime! Thank you so much for commenting and dropping by! x
Twitter: amitsodha
Love your mini-meditations! Especially Chillax…. very cosmic dude:)
New at Rose Goddess’s blog ..“To Thine Own Self Be True” ~ The Power of Journaling
Hey Rose, thank you so much for leaving your kind message!
Twitter: amitsodha
Very enlightened indeed! But the title could also read “…for a kick-ass life” instead of “day” because following these principles are very life-affirming. Thanks for the inspiration!
Twitter: belindavmunoz
You know Belinda, I was actually struggling with the title and I actually never thought of that…doh!
Twitter: amitsodha
loving the list (“,) often keeping things simple makes everything that much clearer. short and sweet, works everytime x
Hey Swati, Glad you enjoyed and thank you for sharing!
xx
Twitter: amitsodha
Hi Amit,
I love your list and some of them made me laugh which I love to do. So thank you!
Here are some thoughts that help me in certain situations:
No one is perfect and if they were, they would not be here.
Nothing lasts forever so enjoy everything because you just do not know when the ride will end.
Twitter: HappyLotus
Hey Nadia, They are fab additions so thank you for those and glad that they made you giggle!
Twitter: amitsodha
Amit – Love this post, particularly number 2 – I don’t have to be anything except me. That is beautiful. I’m also a big fan of Chillaxing. Great work!
Phil
New at Phil Bolton’s blog ..12 Sources of Inspiration
Hey Phil, thanks as always for your input and for sharing!
Twitter: amitsodha
Hi Amit.
This post is cool. I don’t think I’ve seen anything like this.
#3 is an interesting one. I know one scenario where I am the influencee of negative thoughts, and it is good to keep that in mind.
#5 is great because it is accurate. We come under fire for one reason or another, and this can either be direct or subtle, and so we have to remember that not all others understand what we are doing. Just as we may have been confused about someone else’s intentions at some point, someone else may be confused about ours.
#7 removes interest in unhealthy food quite quickly.
These are good tools.
Twitter: Armen
I’m glad you brought up point 5 and it’s one that’s turning out to be a particularly important one. Thank you for the feedback Armen!
Twitter: amitsodha
Hi Amit,
As a first time visitor to your blog, I am savouring this beautifully weaved post on the use of special/specific incantations for speciial/specific situations. I especially like no. 3 and 4 and intend to have a go at them myself.
I use incantations whenever I remember to
One incantation I came across a while ago (Can’t recall the source) is one I use to bring some magic back into a seemingly dull day. It is about being a “reverse paranoid” and this is how I say it -
“The universe is plotting for something good to happen to me today. I wonder what it is”. It is interesting how then I start attending to all the magical moments that come my way, that I might not have paid attention to otherwise.
Thank you for sharing,
Rani
“The universe is plotting for something good to happen to me today. I wonder what it is” – That’s a wonderful thought to use, I love it Rani and I’m going to my list!
Thank you for commenting and sharing your ideas with everyone!
Twitter: amitsodha
I love your tip #3 and am going to share that with my little girl, who gets upset whenever she loses a game. I like your post very much and have just twittered it! More people should know about it!
New at Evelyn Lim’s blog ..Cultivate The Power of Imagination
Thank you Evelyn for sharing it other people, grateful as always!
Twitter: amitsodha
Awsum post!!! Lovin 2 and 3!!!!!
New at Kavita’s blog ..PAW-fect Blogging!!!! The way of the Zimba Warriers!
Hey Kavita, thanks for commenting and loving the kitty pictures by the way!
x
Twitter: amitsodha
I loved this list Amit. My personal favorite is #7, I’ll definitely keep it on my best quotations list and maybe even use in one of posts (if you do not mind of course.) I love healthy living and your quote is just the perfect way to remind anyone what healthy choices are all about.
New at Anastasiya’s blog ..A Simple and Fast Guide to Patience for Impatient People
Hey Ana, of course I don’t mind, feel free to spread and share it as much as you want!
x
Twitter: amitsodha
These are very important points.
One thing though. If we are in the habit of saying to ourselves something like, “They may not understand my intentions,” there is a possibility that over time that will harden to such an extent that we will not recognize when both our intentions, and plans are just very wrong headed.
In a situation where we are surrounded by negative energy, sometimes it’s just best to remain neutral. To attempt to dominate or influence a negative situation can get you in certain circumstances into dangerous space. Best in those situations sometimes to simply meditate internally or think of a positive, loving situation.
That in and of itself may be enough to influence the negativity to move in a more positive direction. However, don’t count on it.
In other words, there are no pat answers or behaviors that work in all circumstances. That’s why we have been given active creative minds.
Hey Stetson,
Firstly thanks for commenting. Here are my thoughts with regards to your two points…
1. With regards to intentions, that comes from a place of not trying to please everybody. I’m not too worried about becoming so hardened…I don’t think that’s in my nature but there is a point where I do sometimes have to do what feels right for me. As with everything there needs to be a balance.
2. I didn’t mean I want to necessarily be in the influencer in an extrovert way in the sense of converting people. Read my article on a quick guide to dealing with negative people. When I say I want to be the influencer, I’m talking about over me. So if I’m not happy in an environment, I’ll be the prime influence over me. Whether that be through introspection or meditation.
Thanks again.
Twitter: amitsodha
No matter what the outcome, I will remain happy. Wow. That is really powerful and something I think i can start using in my day to day activities. A lot of times, I admit I create excellent work for my standards, but judge my happiness on the outcome of what others think of the final product. I will now try to remain happy regardless of the positive or negative feedback or both from now on. This post is remarkable.
Baker
Hey Baker, thanks for commenting and I’m so glad you found this post so useful. Feel free to share it with others.
Twitter: amitsodha
thats a kickass picture Amit =)
Love the whole list, but I really like 1 and 2. Being satisfied with who we are is sometimes the most important thing we can choose to do.
Thanks Rocky, I can understand why the first two would be your favorites as I too feel they are the most important ones.
Twitter: amitsodha