“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” – Oscar Wilde

This quote from Oscar Wilde has deep meaning to it and can be perceived in many different ways.

The theme revolves around perspective. It highlights the fact that everyone deals with problems, but the severity of them depends on how you view the situation and the steps you take towards overcoming it.

Below is an in-depth explanation that comes from a Fearless Motivation speech:

“We all have our own challenges and issues unique to us. No one goes through life without challenges. The difference in the quality of life we live is how we respond to those challenges and what meaning we give it.

Some of us choose to see only the pain, the problems and the struggle. However – some choose to look at the stars – to dream of better, to believe there is better, to focus on the positive and work toward making something magical in this life.

Your life is what you make it. You can be happy with little or miserable with much. You can make a lot from a little or lose everything from having a lot. Everything comes down to you – how you decide to live each day, what meaning you give to each challenge and the actions you decide to take each moment of each day.

Some choose to throw in the towel. They say they will never make it because this happened, and because that person did this to me. They frequently blame others for their misfortune and constantly play the luck card.

On the flip side, some will face massive challenges and big life issues and choose to react differently. They will rise early knowing that every day is a new day and a new opportunity. Knowing that no yesterday has control over how you react today. Knowing that today, and right now, you can take the first step towards turning your life into something far greater than you ever imagined.

So take a step forward today, no matter how small, and then another step tomorrow, and another the next day, and always ensure you are moving forward. Always ensure you are looking at the stars, keeping your goals and dreams in the forefront of your mind, remaining alert to opportunities, seeking opportunities to move forward and capitalizing when they arrive.

Next time you’re in a challenging moment, know that you can play the victim role as most do, give up as most do and use the event as a reason you didn’t make it like most do.

Or, you can do what the minority do, which is decide that you are greater than any challenge. It is never about how great the challenge is in your life. You will only ever be defined by how you react to your challenging moments.

So, stay strong, remain hungry and always be looking up at the stars.”

This analysis shows the importance of maintaining a positive perspective when troubling times strike in life. It’s inevitable – we have all dealt with and will continue to deal with challenges. No matter how big or small, they have the ability to deter your quest for a great life. They can put a damper on how you feel and the way you think.

If you commit to establishing a positive mindset in these situations and continue to “look at the stars” rather than stare down at the ground, you will be successful in decreasing the impact a challenge has on you. You will also recover from it much quicker, leading to more happiness and less disappointment.

We’re all dealt different hands in life. You might live a harder life with more challenges than others. Regardless, life forces you to play the hand you are dealt and respond to it. Your response determines the level of quality your life possesses.

Everyone knows this isn’t easy, and it will take some practice and work mentally. But it’s essential if you want to teach yourself how to make the best of situations and enable your mind and body to become less affected by challenges thrown your way.

Choose to look at the stars, remaining fixated on the positives and focused on making the best of the cards life deals you.

The Wrap Up

Perspective is everything. Truthfully, every time something happens in your life, you have the power to determine how it affects you. Your reaction to the situation will result in controlled emotions that impact your mind.

If you’re able to take a positive approach and put it into perspective, you’ll have a much easier time coping and overcoming. It’s also in that moment that you become mentally stronger.

The more you find success in adopting this mindset, the less daunting your challenges in life will be.

Just because something unfortunate happens doesn’t mean you have to overthink it and produce negative emotions. Normalize not doing this. It can be hard to avoid the temptation to do so, but if you do, you’ll be able to get past it and learn from it.

Take on a positive, hopeful perspective and watch your life transform.

“To change ourselves effectively, we first have to change our perspective.”