Hi there, friend.

I want to tell you about an only child born to a teenage mother.

His father had a criminal record and was absent from his childhood. Mother and son moved around from one apartment to the next in the seediest parts of their already dangerous city.

Things got so tough for the boy’s single mom that she sent him to live with his football coach while she struggled to find work.

Let me pause for a second and ask you a question. How do you think things went for him?

Doesn’t sound like a glorious start, does it? This boy had a lot going against him. It’s easy to imagine a really hard life for a person born under such circumstances.

But that’s not how this story turned out. Let’s resume:

He was drafted to the NBA right out of high school as the number one pick. He has 4 NBA championships and was the Finals MVP each time. He was selected as the regular season MVP 4 times. He’s a 20-time NBA all-star. He has 4 Olympic Gold medals. He’s the first player in the NBA to score 40,000 points, and the first active NBA star to be a billionaire.

I’m talking, of course, about Lebron “King” James. Whose example I think we can all learn from.

Life throws all of us unexpected challenges. Tough circumstances. Intimidating roadblocks.

And I’ll be honest with you. It’s not an equal and fair playing field. Not by a long shot. Some of us are dealt a tougher hand than others.

But I tell you this story today to remind you:

^{Anything is possible. Every mountain can be scaled.} 

People have overcome the greatest of challenges. Because humans are resilient.

 Lebron had so many cards stacked against him. And he rose above. Because he believed he could.

In your life, as you face the obstacles that stand in your way, you will have a choice. You can let the difficult circumstances get in your way. Or you can meet them head-on.

Now, Lebron didn’t do it alone. Without the guidance of his football coach Frank Walker, he may never have gotten out of Akron. He may not have ever even picked up a basketball. Without his teammates on his youth team, he may not have risen to the level he did. Without the support of his mother, he may not have ever believed in himself.

When times are tough, it’s important to look to the communities around you for support. If you don’t feel included in one, now’s the perfect time to become part of a community you trust.

Join a local book club.

Volunteer at a nearby shelter

Start working out at the climbing gym.

Or join my coaching community called GENIUS.

Find people who encourage you to be your best you.

And when things are going great, maybe that’s the perfect time to see who in your community needs your support. You don’t have to open an elementary school in your hometown like Lebron – though that would be incredible if you did.

Lending an ear to a friend in pain could be good enough.

As you go forward in your journey, remember that we’re all doing our best to face the trials in our lives. Have compassion. Do your best. And never give up.

📚 #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
🎧 Host of the On Purpose Podcast
🙏 Creator of the Jay Shetty Certification School

This week’s sponsor

Meet Speks, The Stress-Relieving Desk Toy Everyone is Raving About

Feeling stressed lately? Try these fidget toys to stay calm & focused. The wildly satisfying smooshes, squishes, and ASMR-friendly clicking sounds of magnetic toys make them fun to play with. Use the promo code FIDGET for 25% off your order of $40+

Get 25% Off Speks Now

Challenge for the week ✨

Last week, I challenged you to commit to doing one thing every day that brings you joy. The responses filled me with warmth.

Some of you committed to doing more traditionally joyful things – like dancing.

Some committed to doing something more mindful – like yoga.

And some committed to the truly unexpected – like being productive. How lucky to find joy in something so helpful!

A response that particularly filled me with joy comes from reader Maureen.

Maureen said, “Three friends have had joint replacements this month.  I happily prepared a meal for each of them while listening to my favourite Christmas tunes.”

One of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves is to act in service to others. Service gives us peace, purpose, and satisfaction. And for my friend Maureen, the act of preparing food for friends in need while listening to cheerful music was the perfect kind of service. Thanks for sharing, Maureen – and I wish your friends swift recoveries.

This week, I want you to commit to doing (at least) one act of service, no matter how big or small. You don’t know the impact it could bring.

Hit reply and let me know what you’re up to. I may feature your response in my next message!

Poll of the week