“There’s only one way to avoid criticism: Do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.” – Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915)
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Sometimes we have to test ourselves and push ourselves to the limit. It is how we grow, and it is how we gain life experiences. You never know your real strength until you push your boundary.
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Don’t underestimate yourself. Never say I can’t do this or that until you try. We must always be open to learning, be open to observation and criticism. These things will help us to understand more about ourselves and will also lead to discoveries of more of our strengths. Most often we give up way too quickly.
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Sometimes you can read too much into things, particularly when you’re feeling run-down or tired. When you’re not feeling 100%, it’s easy to misinterpret the intent behind other people’s little comments or actions.
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“Sometimes we’re tested not to show our weaknesses, but to discover our strengths.” – Adam Carter 7th dan Ryukyu Karate Jutsu – SHURI KARATE DOJO
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When we are tested or challenged by something, often we find that our weaknesses seem exaggerated. However, during this time, we can learn to focus and discover what our strengths are.
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We all have ups and downs in life. Many people will give up when they have a setback, or get knocked down, or have a challenge to overcome. But we have to remember that the human spirit is very powerful.
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Anyone can feel great and be happy when things go their way, but the real challenge and test of strength comes when we have to face a challenge in life. Through facing a challenge is where we grow the most, we learn the most and at the end of that challenge, we can understand how much we grew mentally, emotionally and spiritually. We can feel better and more confident about ourselves. Stronger than before.
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DECIDE that instead of focusing on how bad you have it, or how weak and tired you feel, DECIDE that it won’t get you down or destroy you or your attitude. That’s where strength lies. It’s not what happens to us that matters, it’s what YOU are going to do about it.
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Focus on your strengths, persevere and don’t give in. – “If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.” – Napoleon Hill (1883-1970) 
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 Photo Credit: Black Belt Magazine – Gogen Yamaguchi 10th dan Goju Ryu
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