It seems like we’re always struggling with some area of our lives. We struggle to lose more weight. We struggle to do more meaningful and important work. We struggle to make more money (lots more!). We struggle to be better partners and stellar parents. We struggle to be more productive with our time and not waste it. The struggle is real and for most of us it feels natural. But is it?

Does water struggle to flow?
Does grass struggle to grow?
Does wind struggle to blow?
Does rain struggle to fall?
Does the sun struggle to shine?

Of course not! So why do we struggle to succeed?

If nature teaches us that struggle is unnatural then why would we choose to paddle upstream instead of surrendering to life’s current and go with the flow?

For years I paddled upstream with my physical goals. I wasn’t thin enough. I wasn’t fit enough. I didn’t like the way I looked in my clothes. I was constantly worried about what others thought of my appearance and was certain they were judging me.

And I struggled.

I struggled with diet programs and exercise programs and supplements. I struggled to find that perfect pair of jeans that would magically make me look better. I struggled with thoughts of inadequacy and unworthiness. I struggled to feel like I deserved success.

The struggle was real. Because I made it real.

One my favorite quotes is credited to psychologist Carl Jung who surmised, “What you resist persists.”

Resistance is our mental capacity to reject what’s happening in favor of believing that things should be different. When we say things like, “Life shouldn’t be this way. Things shouldn’t be this hard. I can’t believe this is happening to me. I wish that hadn’t happened.” We’re in a state of resistance. We’re struggling with our reality. We’re fighting the flow and trying to swim upstream.

Struggling is exhausting! It takes all our time, energy, and mental capacity to resist. It lowers the quality of our lives and makes us miserable. Not to mention all this effort fighting the flow doesn’t move us any closer to the success we desire.

So how do we stop struggling? We accept what’s happening. We surrender to the flow instead swimming upstream. We use the force of what life hands us and direct it to our advantage.

We stop saying, “I can’t believe this is happening!” and start asking, “What can I do to be my best right now?” We start saying YES and we allow our most resourceful and creative self to come forth.

When I stopped struggling with my physical life and started accepting who I was I was able to ask myself what I can do now to increase my energy, vitality, and strength. I stopped resisting the fact that my body doesn’t handle certain foods well and let them go. I stopped struggling with the idea that my body needs regular exercise and I said YES. I stopped telling myself that I wasn’t worth the cost of those health supplements and made my vitality a priority. I allowed what was natural to come from within me and was able to tap into my creativity and resourcefulness no matter what message my body was sending me.

Water doesn’t struggle to flow
Grass doesn’t struggle to grow
Wind doesn’t struggle to blow
Rain doesn’t struggle to fall
The sun doesn’t struggle to shine

And neither should we struggle to succeed.

Surrender to the success life is handing you and allow your best to flow naturally from within you.

Say YES to life and you’ll find more time, more energy, and more happiness every single day.

Question: In what areas do you struggle when you should be surrendering? You can leave a comment by clicking here.