It is very easy to focus on what you want to become but not many talk about what they have overcome. I discovered that it is much easier to digest and work with your hardships if you look at them as obstacles and barriers you were strong enough to overcome.

I have written down a timeline of all the things that I have overcome in my personal life, my family life, my career life and everything else in between. After I wrote it down, I read it. And then I said, "I'm still standing". It's that simple everything you overcome helps you find the person you want to become. It is not the other way around. Do not start with trying to become because it is likely you will not overcome anything. Be proud of yourself for all the things that you have overcome. 

Nobody can control your self talk.