“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face”
It’s all theory until you have to live it out
Mike Tyson’s epic quote is something I hear in my head every time something goes awry in my life. When you get that phone call, get that email, or see a post that hits you square in the face like a 10 ounce boxing glove.

The moments directly after that lay the groundwork for what your life becomes. Do you lash out, react in kindness, hold a grudge, or quickly move on. All that determines the type of person you’ll become and the life you’ll have.
I’m a seminar/book junkie. I love to learn. At these events there’s always 1–2 takeaways that really hit me. Unfortunately there’s been many times that I didn’t really understand what I had heard at those seminars, until I’d made a mistake. That’s when I think, “oh! THATS why they told us to do it that way”. Ouch.
Not everything goes right in my business or life. I’d assume it doesn’t go perfectly for you either. The freedom I’ve found is knowing when something doesn’t go to plan, that I have the stamina and toolbox I need to move forward and succeed anyway. Much better than lashing out, complaining, or pointing fingers.
So the next time something doesn’t go according to plan, here’s a few things to remember to make sure you come out on top:
- Stop and realize everything is a learning opportunity. When you realize no one event will ruin you forever, you realize life is just a constant barrage of learning lessons. The better student you are, the faster you’ll grow. One of my favorite examples is a baby learning to walk. How many times do they get back up after falling down? Countless! You don’t see grown men crawling on the floor do you? No! They keep getting back up until they get it. If we’re supposed to keep getting back up, then why are there so many hurt people that've fallen down that can’t seem to get up off the floor...or get over a misstep in their lives?
- Own it. I truly believe the great majority of what we go through is our fault. The situation we’re currently in is usually the cause of inaction or a poor choice. So own it. Once you do you can learn from it and grow.
- Make a decision and move on, but not while you’re emotional. Emotional descisions rarely are the right ones. Sending that angry text, punching the guy who stepped on your foot, or ruining a friendship because of raw emotion will rarely get you where you want to go.
- Plan for the unplanned. You will get punched in the face one day. Metaphorically or otherwise. How will you react? If you can visualize yourself going through those motions it’ll prepare you for tough times. That way when something “bad” happens you’ll be going through the motions like you’ve already been there before.
So what do you think? Did I leave anything out? Let me know in the comments below.
Onward!
