“Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.”
– Charles R. Swindoll
How often have you found yourself saying, “It is what it is”? For many of us, it becomes a mental shortcut, a way to accept things as they come—no matter how difficult. But here’s why I believe this phrase limits us: it conditions us to passively accept circumstances instead of recognizing the power we have to shape our response.
Yes, life throws us uncontrollable situations. Yes, accepting things as they are is sometimes necessary. But what is always within our control is our perspective. Our perspective defines our reality because it creates the narrative we live by. The stories we tell ourselves guide our decisions, emotions, and actions. So, what if instead of resigning ourselves to “it is what it is,” we practiced saying, “it is what I make of it”?
This simple shift moves us from passive acceptance to active engagement. It places the power back in our hands. Here’s why this mindset matters—and how it can help you build resilience.
2 Powerful Self-Reflection Questions
When you find yourself saying, “It is what it is,” take a moment to pause and reflect by asking yourself these two questions:
What about this circumstance bothers me or doesn’t align with my desired outcome?
What is within my control that will make a difference?
These questions force you to dig deeper into your situation, challenging you to shift your thinking from helplessness to empowerment. They help you take ownership of what’s within your control, guiding you to make more resilient decisions.
This mental pivot from “it is what it is” to “it is what I make of it” doesn’t mean ignoring reality. Instead, it allows you to reframe the situation, so you can rise above the challenge. You’re not powerless; you have the ability to choose how to respond, grow, and ultimately, move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.
Reinforce This Mindset with Daily Affirmations
Building this kind of resilience takes practice, and one powerful way to strengthen this mindset is through affirmations. Affirmations help you reinforce the belief that your perspective shapes your reality.
That’s why I recommend using a deck of affirmation cards like Affirmation Deck for Personal Power and Growth (affiliate link). These cards are designed to prompt powerful, positive thoughts, helping you shift your mindset throughout the day. Simply pull a card in the morning or whenever you’re feeling stuck, and let the affirmation remind you of your power to make the best of any situation.
Here are just a few examples of affirmations that align with the idea of making the most of any situation:
“I am in control of my mindset, and I choose to create opportunity out of challenge.”
“My response to life is a reflection of my power to grow.”
“I have the strength to pivot and rise above any circumstance.”
If you’re ready to move beyond passive acceptance and step into your personal power, try integrating affirmations into your daily routine. The shift from “it is what it is” to “it is what I make of it” starts here.
Free Webinar: “Journaling for Growth: Simple Steps to Start Your Self-Healing Journey”
To dive even deeper into this mindset shift, I invite you to join me for a free live webinar on September 30th at 7:30pm. In this session, I’ll guide you through beginner-friendly journaling practices that help you reflect, reframe, and reclaim your power over life’s challenges.
By attending, you’ll receive an exclusive freebie, designed to help you kickstart your journaling journey with ease. To sign up, click here. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive a calendar invite, and we’ll meet live via Google Meet!
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the power of journaling and how it can reinforce your mindset of “it is what I make of it.”
The Power Is Yours
Ultimately, resilience is about how we choose to respond to life’s inevitable challenges. While it’s important to accept what’s out of our control, it’s even more important to remember what is within our control—our perspective. By practicing this shift in mindset, you not only build resilience but also unlock a life of more intentional, empowered decisions.
To support this journey, consider using an affirmation deck like Affirmation Deck for Personal Power and Growth, and don’t forget to sign up for my free webinar on September 30th, where I’ll share more tools to help you on your self-growth journey.
Because in the end, it’s not just “what it is.” It’s what you make of it.
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