Life is 10% what happens to you... and 90% how you react to it.

If you're visiting this website, it's likely because I or someone you know gave you a coin that lookslike the one above.  Here's the story and the reason for the coin:

The quote above is one that is very important to me. I first heard it over 25 years ago, and it completely changed how I live my life, and how I handle situations in my personal and professional life. I wanted to share it with you, with the hope that it might be helpful to you in your life’s journey.

“Life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it.”

I first heard this quote from watching a documentary on Lou Holtz when he coached at Notre Dame. Since that time, it has hung on the wall of every office I’ve had. While it can be hard to follow at times, I remind myself every day how important it is. To me, this is not just a phrase or quote… it has become a philosophy and a way of life. It symbolizes that while we are not in control of everything in our lives, we are in control of how we handle it, and focusing on what we can control, and how we react is a powerful tool that can make a big difference in almost any situation, large or small. For me, this phrase is a reminder of how I can handle a number of situations:

• “X” just happened… how do you move forward?
• Consider the consequences of your reaction to a situation.
• Don’t let your emotions get the best of you in a situation. Think clearly and calmly about the best course of action.
• You’ve just made a mistake… now what?
• If life has been good to you, how can you pay it forward?
• Don’t complain, stress, or worry about what’s wrong in your world... find ways to fix it!

It's easy to get caught up in thinking or worrying about things that we have no control over. And it can be easy to feel sorry for ourselves. Don't! These thoughts are a waste of our time and energy. Instead, focus on how you can adapt, learn from, or perhaps even fix the situation.

In short – What’s happened can’t be changed. It’s what you do next that matters.

\I have given this advice to dozens, if not hundreds of my students, athletes, relatives and friends over the past 25 years. I’m sure it did not mean much to some of them. However, I’ve been blessed to have received emails and letters from dozens of them, some who have become physicians, lawyers, teachers, police officers, athletic trainers, and Navy SEALs, who have told me it changed their life, and that they now give the same advice.

This year, I decided to take this idea one step further… I had a special coin made that I can give to those with whom I share this advice. Just to serve as a little reminder when it’s needed.

It gives me great joy to give you this coin, and to share this philosophy with you. Take it with you… keep it in your pocket or keep it in a box or a drawer… it doesn’t matter to me. Just consider the meaning of it from time to time, and apply it to your life if it makes sense. In tough times, maybe it will help you through. In good times, maybe it will help keep you grounded. And perhaps more importantly, share it with others you care about if you think it would be helpful. In fact, consider passing the coin on to someone who could use it… I’ll always have another one for you.

Best Regards,

Your Professor/Athletic Trainer/Chief/Colleague/Coach/Uncle/Dad/Friend,              

Robb Rehberg