Anne Eleanor Roosevelt, widely known as Eleanor Roosevelt, was the First Lady to the 32nd President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt. While her husband has many merits, Mrs. Roosevelt didn't fall far behind. At her time, Eleanor was considered one of the most powerful women in society, operating as both a diplomat and a humanitarian.
Although she was married to a cheating husband, Eleanor saw the value in helping her spouse ascend to the presidency. Thanks to her education, she was always dedicated to volunteering her time to her nation and fight for just causes. If Franklin were to become President, Eleanor's power to make the world a better place would rise with him.
"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people."
Throughout her life, the First Lady lived by 6 core values -- either because of the events, she lived through, or even despite it. Eleanor believed in fairness, kindness and overall goodness.
1. Do the Right Thing
"One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices we make... and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility."
Regardless of what life threw at her, Eleanor always believed in doing the right thing. She saw this as an act of kindness to oneself, and this is something many of us fail to realize. Doing the right thing comes from within and though it may have its repercussions on the outside world, we should do it for us.
When we repeatedly make a conscious decision to do what's right, little by little we make our world a better place. By generating a wave of goodwill around us, we instantly bring in productivity to our midst. Only positive energy can push you towards productivity.
2. Focus on Optimism
People often mistake optimism as a natural event that comes into their lives. That thought couldn't be farther from the truth. Optimism, like happiness, is a by-product of a chain of decisions you make throughout your days.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
Optimism should be part of your daily habits -- like remembering to brush your teeth or taking the trash out. True, optimism comes easier to some than others, but it comes to all of us if we're willing to embrace it.
That said, it is your responsibility to remind yourself to be positive. You have to access what you can't control, the misfortune that befalls you. However, it is your choice how you're going to address your problems. It is in your hands to see the light through the darkness in your way. Focus on that light and your path will become clearer.
3. Don't Worry About What Others Think
Eleanor knew the role she had to fulfill in her life, to the world, was something nothing else was able to. Regardless of what the public or media thought of her actions, Eleanor fought for what she believed was right.
"Do what you feel in your heart to be right -- for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't."
When her husband was caught cheating on her with his secretary, she understood the higher purpose she had to achieve. She knew staying by his side as First Lady would give her a platform from where she would be able to do the greater good.
4. Look Fear in the Face (my favorite one)
I'm sure you've heard before, we grow the most when we face our fears. If you avoid your fears and keep doing what's comfortable, you'll never truly grow as a human being.
I've found it useful to journal about my experiences for two reasons:
Taking the time to write down my fears, hopes, and dreams allows me to take a step back and put things in perspective.
I can always go back in time and read about the obstacles I thought impossible to overcome. I can learn from my experiences and truly evolve with each of them.
"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face."
5. Spread the Happiness
Happiness is infectious, but sadness is stronger and faster. This is why it is so important you focus your energy on sharing your happiness with others -- sharing is caring, right?
"Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give others."
A trick I use is to always carry my Bullet Keeper with me. Whenever a good thing happens throughout my day, I write it down. The act of physically writing thoughts gives them life and makes them all the more powerful.
Another side effect is when I open my Bullet Keeper and see all these happy thoughts written down across my week. They're my shield, my restorative potion, the boost I need to remind myself to focus on what truly matters.
6. Be Your Own Best Friend
"Friendship with one's self is all important because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world."
Loving and appreciating yourself should be part of your habits. If you're not capable of showing kindness to yourself, you'll never truly be able to show kindness to the world.
Happiness begins with you. Love yourself so you can love others; so you can cause a positive impact on your world and generate a great deal of goodwill.
Eleanor Roosevelt understood and so should you. Our biggest accomplishments in life cannot be achieved on our own. We need the support of others -- the right people. If you want to position yourself in the right frame for success, you must attract it.
Remember to do good, to share your joy, to focus on the brighter side of life. When you're truly capable of embracing it, you won't believe the profound changes that will happen in your life.