25 of the Simplest Old Adages to Come Back to When You’re Feeling Down
Keep these sayings in a safe place for when you need them most.
It came down to a penalty kick shootout. One ball, one net, one kicker, one goalie.
I was the goalie.
In a catatonic panic, my coach snapped me back to reality.
“J-man.” He called me by my nickname.
“Keep it simple, silly. You got this.” He smiled, and I was ready for the penalty kicks to begin.
When pain, anxiety, frustration, nerves, or uncertainty clouds your view of how you should act, remember my coach’s phrase.
Keep it simple, silly.
These simple yet profound old adages may be exactly what you need to prepare yourself for battle when life presents you with a penalty kick shootout.
1. You Can’t Make an Omelet Without Breaking a Few Eggs
It’s almost impossible to get to your end destination without having a few hiccups along the way. Mistakes are only temporary, and they often lead to something much greater in the end.
2. Fortune Favors the Brave
Your courage is a testament to how much belief you have in yourself. The more you believe, the braver you will be. The braver you are, the more possibility there is for you to achieve what you want.
3. Only Time Will Tell
You do not control the future. Whatever happens, will happen in time. It’s liberating when you can fully accept this.
4. Could Be Worse
No matter what you’re facing, somebody somewhere has it worse than you do. Your situation is not the worst in the entire world.
5. Home Is Where the Heart Is
Never forget where you came from. Your family, your friends, your teachers. Always remember what impact they had on your life.
6. Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained
You can never get what you want if you don’t give it a try. You have to give it a try.
7. Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Let’s take this one from the wise tortoise. Patience is critical. Things take time, and we must realize that.
8. No Use Crying Over Spilt Milk
You don’t have a time machine. The milk is already all over the table. You can’t change that.
9. You Get What You Get, and You Don’t Get Upset
Accept whatever comes at you. There is no reason to get upset about it, just let it happen and move forward.
10. You’re Making a Mountain of a Molehill
Things often get blown out of proportion. Don’t be so quick to sensationalize or overdramatize situations. Take a step back and evaluate properly.
11. Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way
Anything is possible.
12. The Proof is in The Pudding
Work hard. The proof isn’t necessarily the results. It’s the work you put in to get there.
13. An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
A healthy attitude starts with a healthy appetite. Fuel your body with the right inputs. You’ll be more likely to produce the right outputs.
14. The Early Bird Catches the Worm
Wake up early, show up early, catch things early. The sooner the better in most scenarios.
15. You’ll Catch More Flies with Honey
Be nice to people. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.
16. Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover
First impressions are important, but they should not be the only thing that impact the way you see something. Take the time to really get to know and understand something or someone.
17. It Takes More Muscles to Frown Than to Smile
Smiling is the greatest gift we’ve been given, and it’s the greatest gift we can give to others. Flash your smile proudly and often. It will make your day and others’ a whole lot brighter.
18. This Too Shall Pass
This is my mom’s favorite. Not everything is permanent. Like everything else, whatever is happening in your life will pass. Don’t get too hung up on it.
19. Don’t Knock It Until You Try It
There is no need to pass judgment. Judging something is more of a reflection of you than it is whatever you’re judging.
20. You Can Lead a Horse to Water, But You Can’t Make It Drink
You can guide other people, but they ultimately decide for themselves. Be an example for them, but don’t get upset if they don’t do exactly as you say.
21. Be Yourself; Everyone Else is Taken
One of the most important things to strive for in life is your own story. Be proud of a path that you can call your own.
22. If You Don’t Have Anything Nice to Say, Don’t Say Anything at All
Again, be nice to people. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.
23. You Live and You Learn
Everything is a learning experience. Every challenge, every obstacle, is just an opportunity to grow and get better. It’s all part of the experience.
24. Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones, But Words Can Never Hurt Me
Do not allow other people to taint your understanding of you. Their judgment and words are more of a reflection of them than you.
25. You Only Live Once
We only get one shot at this crazy thing we call life, so let’s actively make the most of it.
Your penalty kick shootout is about to begin. Maybe it’s already in progress. You’re the goalie. Don’t let anything stop you from living the life of your dreams.
Just always remember to keep it simple, silly.
The story above is an example of personal development through creative storytelling, which I create through a platform called ‘imagitivetation’. For more creative stories that can help you change your life, join me here.
