Let’s discuss an uncomfortable subject by looking at the statement: “Life Is a Mirror.” This concept is an extension of Be x Do = Have, the Zig Ziglar formula. It says that our life, as we experience it, reflects our beliefs about ourselves – that we, in effect, cause ourselves to live the life we believe we deserve.

We tend to understand this Zig Ziglar formula if it means that we don’t lose weight because we eat poorly, or that we don’t get good grades because we don’t study enough. But when we begin talking about how much money we earn or whether we live the life we want, we begin to push back. I struggle with this concept because I don’t want to believe that difficulties in my life are my own fault.

There are random events we experience and are subjected to. We don’t make these events happen to us, but our reaction to them is our decision. Thus, your reaction makes all the difference in the difficulties that impact our lives. Bad things happen, but our response determines whether we are devastated by them or whether we pick up the pieces and move forward.

A great business coach will tell you to live “Above the Line”, meaning we need to take ownership and responsibility for our lives. By doing this, we can begin to learn new skills and improve our approach. Life is a mirror of our internal views of ourselves – change the view and life will begin to change.

Michael McKee is a long-time member of the Omaha business community. If you have something to share with Michael McKee, you can write to michael@omahadailyrecord.com, or you can attend at the Omaha Empowerment Breakfast (OmahaEmpowermentBreakfast.org). This column is no substitute for legal, tax or financial advice, which can be furnished only by a licensed professional.