When people ask you what superpower you would want, you might think of flying or reading minds. But there’s one superpower that doesn’t live in science-fiction books, and it might just be one of the most empowering everyday superpowers around:

Global (03 March 2024) — One of the most uncomfortable lessons we learn over and over again in life is coping with things not turning out the way we wanted them to. But the more doors we knock on, the more opportunities we are likely going to be invited into. What holds us back from knocking, of course, is the same thing that teaches us to cope with disappointment—rejection!

So, what if we could make being comfortable with rejection a superpower?

Rejection takes many shapes and forms. We can experience social rejection, competence rejection, perceived rejection and rejection sensitivity among many other kinds. None of these sound like a good time because none of them are at first glance. But what if the actual rejection part of the narrative isn’t as problematic as our responses to these perceived threats?

Anxiety, blame, negative self-talk, aggression and even depression can all surface from scenarios where our minds have interpreted an experience to encompass rejection. We’re social creations who want to belong, want things to go the way we intend, and want to avoid pain at all costs.

But these integral parts of us aren’t always our friends, and can actually stand in the way of us even trying to put ourselves in a position that might be the best risk we ever take, simply because we might be rejected.

So what can we do about it?

We need to make being comfortable with rejection a superpower. And this starts with understanding that rejection is only as meaningful as it is perceived to be.

We, society and influences allocate meaning to our experiences; experiences do not allocate meaning to themselves. So, here are 3 simple ways to turn the narrative on rejection:

This is Happening for Me, Not to Me

Shift that victim mindset! If we train our minds to believe that things are happening for us, not to us, we are more likely to find the positive in the experience. So the girl you asked out on a date said no. Well, maybe you dodged a bullet you’ll only see with hindsight. Or maybe you got fired from a job you loved, only to discover that a better opportunity did become available when you had the time to look for it.

Every Rejection Holds a Lesson

There are few things as powerful as seeing tough experiences as lessons. But when we do, we are in a better standing to consciously take notes from it.

This takes a willingness to separate yourself and your emotions from the experience. Maybe you were underprepared for that job interview. Or maybe the conversation topics you brought to the dinner conversation with new people were not something everyone could talk on; which led to people changing the subject and you feeling ‘dismissed’.

When we think about situations objectively, we empower ourselves to be critical constructively.

It Was Good for the Plot

One of my personal favourites. Rejection isn’t easy, but maybe the risk you took was really good for the plot that is your life’s story. You did something bold, and it didn’t go as planned. But if you were a character and your life’s story was a book, maybe that’s exactly the moment of character development you needed to be braver. Or maybe it’ll make a really funny story that will become your kid’s favourite ‘when I was young’ tale one day.

I have a friend who once almost made the provincial team for a sport because she decided to take a risk. She’d only been playing it for a few months and decided one day to do something bold when the string of trials came around, despite being severely underqualified. Guess what? She made it all the way to the finals of trials. Yes, she did get rejected in the end, but she went way further than she’d ever imagined. And that confidence boost was worth its weight in accolades.

See, rejection isn’t always a negative thing. And it isn’t always a positive thing. It’s okay to feel disappointed and discouraged—just not for too long. But when being comfortable with this sensation our brains have dramatised becomes your superpower, you’ll find yourself building a story of your life where you aren’t insecure about what could go wrong, but secure in knowing that you’ll find a way to be alright.

Sources:  GTG

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Free Therapy Sundays: Why Being Comfortable with Rejection is a Super Power  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

South African fast bowler and Red Bull athlete, Kagiso Rabada shares his four tips to finding your fitness potential.

South Africa (01 March 2024) – Cricket might not traditionally be a sport one would associate with fitness training but South African fast bowler and Red Bull athlete Kagiso Rabada knows that powerful deliveries require strength and endurance. You might not be lining up to bowl a long test-match spell in blistering heat, but you can learn from KG and use it on your own fitness journey.

1. Determination, Awareness and Resilience

Firstly, understanding your fitness goals is crucial. To use a cricket analogy — you cannot hit the stumps if you can’t see them. “You need to define what you aim to achieve, set goals and work diligently towards them,” says Rabada, explaining that once you’ve set proper goals the significance of possessing a determination and a burning desire to succeed cannot be underestimated.

“Fitness is not about physical strength; it also involves a mental aspect. You need that drive and willpower that propels you forward even during challenging times” he says.

Rabada suggests that resilience is the key to conquering obstacles in your fitness journey. According to him, when it comes to training, setbacks are inevitable. It’s not about evading them but rather bouncing back stronger than before. “Stay resilient and stay committed,” he advises.

2. Flexible Training for Optimal Performance

When it comes to his workout routine Rabada stresses the significance of adaptability.

“I prefer to vary my training routines based on the season. In sports it’s crucial to keep your muscles firing quickly for that competitive edge in movement ” he explains.

This flexibility in his approach underscores the need to customise workouts according to requirements and aspirations.

During the playing season, his go-to regimen involves exercises focused on power development. “Explosive power is vital in cricket—it provides an advantage and is my focus, for staying at the top of my game ” says Rabada providing insight into the dynamic nature of his training schedule.

3. ‘The Snatch’ – A Favorite That Packs a Punch

When asked about his exercise Rabada wastes no time in answering: ‘The Snatch.’ Renowned for its ability to engage muscle groups and enhance explosiveness Rabada’s choice of the Snatch demonstrates his dedication to achieving peak athletic performance.

4. Never Take Anything for Granted

When questioned about how he stays motivated Rabada imparts a piece of advice; “Never take anything for granted. Always remember your reasons for starting, where you come from and where you’re headed.” These words resonate beyond the cricket field serving as a powerful reminder that motivation stems from purpose and the journey itself.

From nurturing determination to adapting training routines and remaining grounded in purpose, within Kagiso Rabada’s insights lies a roadmap that can guide anyone embarking on a fitness journey.

Sources:  Di Kendell

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Kagiso Rabada Shares His 4 Inspiring Tips for Finding Fitness Potential appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Nontuthuko Mgabhi has already raised over R3 million in her lifetime for children and schools who most need it. Now, she’s setting to task again for a massive challenge of 520kms for 520 pairs of school shoes!

Richards Bay, South Africa (23 February 2024) — Nontuthuko ‘Nontu’ Mgabhi is a champion of two incredible endeavours—ultramarathons and making sure rural children have the essentials!

Putting her own feet to task for others ample times (She is the first female from Africa to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 consecutive days) Nontu has successfully raised over R3 million to provide so many learners facing poverty with the essentials they need to feel dignified and encouraged at school.

Her passion has paved the path for building classrooms, renovating schools, and providing books and food, as well as the always essential and trajectory-shifting—school shoes.

Last year, Nontu hit the ground running at the Ultra ASIA 160km Race in Vietnam where she came second in the women’s division and fourth overall. But, regardless of all her achievements, her biggest win by far is being able to make a difference in the life of a school child who needs it most.

Nontu is back at it again in 2024 and will be focusing on a whopping 520km ultramarathon, The Track Namibia, scheduled for 15-24 May. 520kms for 520 pairs of school shoes, her endeavour will take her on a 10-day journey through the Valley of the Moon, the tropic of Capricorn and the Sesriem and Sossusvlei Dunes.

For the experienced long-distance runner, this will be a new kind of challenge given the extreme distance. But, it’s one well worth it, given the underprivileged children in KwaZulu-Natal who will get to walk in school shoes that say, ‘Someone went all the extra miles for me’.

“I believe in giving back, I am grateful that I am able to give back through my passion: a love of running, travel and nature. It is  wonderful to live a life that is authentic with impact. To prepare for these races, although challenging, is not a chore for me—it is a privilege to get to do this. I have the health and means to do it.”—Nontuthuko Mgabhi. 

Those looking to support Nontu on yet another impactful adventure can get in touch with her on nontu.mgabhi@icloud.com!

Sources: Team South Africa; GTG 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Nontuthuko Mgabhi to Tackle Another Ultramarathon for School Shoes! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

The SANParks Honorary Rangers are collecting pre-loved nature books to share with rangers in South Africa; creating useful libraries for rangers to delve into.

South Africa (11 February 2024) – The SANParks Honorary Rangers have become aware of a need among Field Rangers in our national parks for books related to wildlife, plants and nature. They are collecting pre-loved nature books to create resource libraries for rangers to tap into and expand their knowledge.

SANParks Honorary Rangers have begun stocking small resource libraries at Field Ranger Stations in various National Parks. The team is asking members of the public to donate pre-loved or used reference books or field guides related to geology, ecology, flora, fauna, cultural heritage and natural heritage.

The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) is managing a collection point for books in Hoedspruit.

“To all FGASA members, friends and supporters who would like to donate books to upskill and develop the knowledge and skills base of our rangers, please deliver these learning resources to the FGASA head office at The Farmery in Zandspruit, Hoedpsruit. FGASA supports this initiative by offering a collection point for donated books and putting out this call for help to our incredible community.” – FGASA

While the FGASA members have already rallied to get books for the cause, the greater public is welcome to join the cause and donate books.

Members of the public who wish to donate can look up the Honorary Rangers region closest to them to arrange a drop-off. You can do that here

Not only do the Honorary Rangers need books for the Rangers, but they also welcome books for children and more! Klarine Schutte of the Joburg region was instrumental in establishing the children’s resource centre in the Skukuza Staff Village in Kruger National Park.

“We also try to stock up the children’s resource centres and staff libraries where possible – worry not, we’ll find a home for books!” – Ian Calaca, Honorary Rangers Volunteer.

Sources: FGASA / Honorary Rangers

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Group Collects Pre-Loved Nature Books to Gift to South African Rangers appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Katlego Nyamba enrolled in an after-school activity teaching offline coding and it pushed him to achieve his very-best results for Matric.

Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa (05 February 2024) – Katlego Nyamba who matriculated at the LEAP Science and Maths School in GA-RANKUWA did so after finding his passion for computer sciences. He was enrolled in an after-school programme focussed on offline coding skills and he thrived. He went from a 50% pass-rate in Grade 11, to matriculating with several distinctions and earning a bursary to further his studies!

Tangible Africa is an engagement project of the Department of Computing Sciences at Nelson Mandela University, in partnership with Leva Foundation. Since 2017 it has been using mobile coding games to reach out to learners mainly in schools where there are no computers. The purpose is to introduce learners to coding concepts, and make them aware of careers in coding.

Jean Greyling reached out to share Katlego Nyamba’s inspiring story. Jean shared that he had sent the team a message in January 2023:

“Towards the end of Grade 11 I had no idea what I was going to do after school. I thought I I did not have many options.

Then my school chose me to attend a RANGERS coding workshop in Diepsloot sponsored by #AwsInCommunities. It was presented by Ms Trudie Didloff from Tangible Africa.

I enjoyed myself and Ms Trudie told me about the Tangible Africa online C# coding club. I completed all the activities.

Now I know I want to study computer science at a university and I want to become a software engineer. I am now working towards that dream thanks to Ms Trudy.”

Jean explained that his final marks in Grade 11 were in the 50’s. He warned Katlego that the marks were not good enough for a computer science degree. This was the moment Katlego set his mind on his future and put all his effort into his school studies.

After matric results came out in January, the team, were over the moon for Katlego. He had earned five distinctions and his lowest mark was 69%! He will be studying computer engineering this year at University of Pretoria with a full bursary from AWS.

Determination and success! Well done Katlego – May all your dreams become your reality.

Sources: Supplied

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Katlego Was Determined to Pass Matric After Learning Coding appeared first on Good Things Guy.

After an assault that left his leg severely damaged, Mhlengi Gwala’s life as a rising athlete changed forever. But, he refused to let this be the end of his story. Chasing new dreams, his sights are now on the 2024 Paralympics, and South Africa is fully behind him:

Global (01 February 2024) — In March 2018, Mhlengi Gwala was a rising star in international triathlons from South Africa. He was in his late 20s, and the future was as bright as headlights.

But one fateful morning, trauma struck. While training in Durban, he was assaulted in the most vicious way by assailants who would hand-saw his leg, leaving muscles, nerves and bones damaged. This was followed by an attack on his left leg.

Anyone’s spirits would’ve been shattered after something like this. But Mhlengi has a lion’s heart, filled with the kind of strength that eventually got him back on his bike.

Mhlengi’s crowdfunding campaign, “Get Mhlengi back on his bike,” won hearts around the world and raised over R764,000, which was vital to his medical expenses. It showed not only that people believed he could overcome the worst of adversity, but also helped him build a house and hope for his mom.

Fast forward to 2024, and Mhlengi is not only ‘back on his bike’ but has emerged as a formidable figure in para-athletics. Here are some of his achievements; enough to make the toughest among us cry knowing the story behind the accolades:

• 1st Place: 2019 Shandrani African Championship
• 2nd Place: Portugal World Para Cup
• 1st Place: 2021 RSA Championship
• 12th Place: 2021 World Championships in Abu Dhabi
• 1st Place: 2022 RSA Championship
• 7th Place: 2022 World Para Cup in Coruna
• 1st Place: 2023 African Championship in Hurghada

Preparations are now on for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where he will compete alongside 4,400 athletes from a record number of National Paralympic Committees.

Mhlengi is set to participate in the Para triathlon, which will start from Pont Alexandre III bridge in Paris.

As Mhlengi prepares for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, scheduled for August 28 to September 8, he is upping the ante on his rigorous training routine for running, swimming and cycling.

Accompanying his training is another dream. That of purchasing a steed for the big Games—a Speed Concept SLR 7 Bike, designed for peak performance. He has set up a crowdfunding campaign to support getting the kind of bike that’ll do his hard-training justice. You can support it here!

Should the campaign raise funds beyond the cost of the bike, the additional finances will be allocated towards the myriad of expenses associated with competing at the highest level, including travel, accommodation, intensive training camps, nutrition, and professional coaching.

Seeing Mgheni Gwala make South Africa proud in Paris this year wouldn’t just be an individual achievement, but one for absolutely anyone who has faced the unthinkable and thought it was the end of the road. It’ll be an achievement for the dreamers. The ones who believe that hope still exists even in the toughest places. And the ones who give others license to find new dreams by virtue of their resilience.

“The people of South Africa and across the world are the ones who have kept me going. Their support and well-wishes —and my children—are what kept me going.”—Mhlengi Gwala.

Sources: BackaBuddy 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Mhlengi Gwala: A Lion’s Heart and Roaring Resilience  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

In early December Peet Botma set out to conquer stretches of the Atlantic as a solo rower taking part in the World’s Toughest Row. The finish line is in sight, and Peet is on the move!

Global (24 January 2024) — Peet Botma, AKA ‘Freedom Rower’ has travelled quite some distance since the last time we shared news of his epic adventure across the Atlantic!

On 13 December 2023, Peet set to sea as a World’s Toughest Row participant. This, after years of preparation, is understandable when you take into account that this is no cruise of a race.

Virtually no shelter against the elements, the epitome of isolation and only having yourself, your preparations and your motivation to count on. These are just some of the factors World’s Toughest Row racers sign up for for the 3000 miles (just under 5000 kilometres) the race demands.

So, with Peet being just days and 400 nautical miles away from the finish line, his recent check-in is both a big milestone and a marker of the all-important final push.

400 nautical miles now seems slight in comparison to the 2376 nautical miles Peet has already conquered. But, in reality, it is still roughly 740 kilometres to go—which means it’s time to rally in support!

Peet’s final push also happens to mean that he’s a few hundred kilometres away from hopefully making a massive difference for the Local Surf Lounge Academy—Muizenburg’s haven for boys in the Western Cape.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Local Surf Lounge Academy (@localsurfloungeacademy)

The Surf Lounge is a breath of fresh air for the youth of Vrygrond. A place where they can be coached, mentored and inspired to live healthy lives as part of a surfing collective away from the hardships that plague their own communities. Peet’s row is a brave act of support for them, that aims to keep their doors open!

You can support the Surf Lounge through the Small Things Foundation by making a donation or raising awareness about the project.

Peet is set to finish the World’s Toughest Row on 29 January.

Sources: Various (Linked Above)

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Peet Botma Begins the Countdown to the World’s Toughest Row Finish Line!  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Entering the world after school as a young adult is a big, exciting chapter! What makes it even more exciting? Not going broke in your first week:

South Africa (23 January 2024) — Last week, we celebrated so many South Africans officially ending their high school days. The results had us pretty damn proud of the South African youth as we indulged in hope and excitement for the future ahead. But, as much as it pains us to write, it can’t all be champagne-popping and motivational quotes. As anyone who has ever been a young adult before knows, reality can hit like a ton of bricks—especially if the word ‘budgeting’ makes you roll your eyes and having your own money is a foreign concept.

First, let’s debunk some of the less-inviting parts of budgeting’s reputation because there are many:

No, it isn’t only for people with a lot of responsibilities and endless bills. Or people who are cash-strapped. Budgeting also doesn’t mean that ‘money rules your life’. Nor does it restrict your freedom—in fact, more often than not, in the long run, it’s the converse!

What it does do, is give you a grip on something that can very quickly wriggle out of control.

As a young adult who may never have had control of your own money before, getting a head start on budgeting is actually a big act of love for yourself. And taking care of yourself is something you’re going to have to get used to, so you best act with love.

Whether you’re about to start work, go to university, follow your passion by working part-time, or take a gap year on an allowance, this is the one lesson that no matter which part of your life you’re in or get to, will always stay relevant.

How to Make Your Budget Work Wonders: Young Adult Edition

1. Make Sure Your Budget is in Your Face

Your budget needs to be front of mind. Borderline annoyingly accessible. This not only helps you get comfortable with budgeting in general but will help you commit to your budget like South Africa commits to biltong during a rugby match.

Whether it’s an app (there are a dime a dozen to choose from), your phone’s notes, an Excel sheet if that speaks to you or an actual, physical notebook for the old-school lovers among us— don’t let it be something you need to go on a quest to find. Because you’ll probably avoid it for a lot longer that way.

2. Diligence is Your New Best Friend

You’re going to need to set reminders for when you create your budget and when you check in on it. Diligence is your new best friend now.

Depending on when you get paid (weekly, monthly, bi-monthly) set up a little reminder to make your budget for the period ahead. Food, miscellaneous items, entertainment, transport, self-love treats—everything you suspect you’ll spend on until you get paid again, needs to take up space in your budget.

Only you will know which expenses apply to your lifestyle, and it’ll take a few times before you get the projected figures on the nose. Still, plan for all the things. And don’t forget to leave room for your dreams. And savings. And investments.

But, the golden rule here is to be ruthlessly diligent. You are going to be the entire Springbok squad-level of diligence.

This means tracking your expenses like it’ll win the World Cup. And being very transparent with yourself; making necessary adjustments when you need to.

3. Don’t Be Boring

Give your expense categories fun names. Who needs a transport fund when you have an ‘Adventure Expenses’ fund? If you set an alarm for budget time, make the sound of the alarm a song that always gets you fired up. And if you’re working with a notebook, go to town with highlighters. Get yourself some gold stars if you need to. The world is your budget’s oyster.

4. Shift Your Energy

The biggest way to make your budget work wonders as a young adult (or any age for that matter) is to understand why you need one. Shift your energy and perspective to understand that when you’ve got your money straight, everything else becomes a lot easier. When you know what you’re in for until you get paid again, you’re actually paying yourself with freedom of mind.

You get to manage your expectations without a million surprises, and actively work your dreams into reality because you’ll understand the concept of holding yourself accountable a lot better—a life skill that will always, always serve you.

Sources: GTG

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Ways to Work Wonders With Your Budget: Young Adult Edition! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

16-year-old skier Lara Markthaler is skiing the slopes to her dreams as South Africa’s only competitor in the Winter Youth Olympics!

Global (15 January 2024) — The 2024 Youth Olympics set in South Korea is fast approaching, and hot on its trail is teen alpine skier, South African Lara Markthaler.

Lara is set to be the only South African to compete at the Youth Winter Olympics 2024, which is a huge accomplishment for any 16-year-old. She also happens to be one the youngest competitors in her event, making it a double-whammy achievement!

Given that African nations are said to not be regular participants in the Winter Youth Olympics for geographic and climate-related reasons as SASCOC’s Nozipho Jafta explains, it’s something special to anticipate seeing a skier with green and gold blood take to the slopes amongst the world’s best.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lara Markthaler (@spunkiiiiii)

“I am going there with a goal and that would be to break into the top 20. Anything more than that would be a bonus at this stage of my career and I’ll be trying my hardest to get as high on the leaderboard as I can. I also want to tap into the whole Olympic spirit,” the young skier shared of her Olympic debut dreams.

The budding snow star Lara grew up in the German Alps and calls Germany home. While skiing has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember, she also has an affinity for mountain biking and adventure in general.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lara Markthaler (@spunkiiiiii)

Still, skiing took first place in her life, and with her dad coaching her and her mom making sure she’s a healthy athlete in the role of her nutritionist, she has a well-oiled support structure in her corner.

“Lara is an inspiration and we are all behind her,” added Nozipho Jafta of Team South Africa’s sole flag-flyer. 

Sources: Team South Africa 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Teen Skier to Represent SA Single-Handedly at Youth Winter Olympics appeared first on Good Things Guy.

This is your reminder to stay true to quitting whatever you promised you’d leave in 2023. It’s also a heads-up on what you need to know if you still need to commit to the big quit. Here’s to saying goodbye to the habits that no longer serve us:

Global (09 January 2024) — Beating a ‘bad habit’ is a lot like going to a party you’re only going to out of obligation. There’s a lot of motivating yourself involved. You’re going to want to turn around and go home, a lot. And when you are almost at the door, you might just ditch every effort you’ve made to come this far in exchange for your comfort.

Here’s the thing: it might just be the best social extravaganza of your life. Or the place where you meet the love of your life. At the very least, you might just dance a lot and feel twenty-one again.

That’s what the other side of a bad habit is supposed to feel like. It’s also why all the people who love you turn into David Goggins and try with every motivational speech possible to help you kick that habit to the curb.

You won’t know it when you’re on your way to the destination that is the other side of the habit (unless what you’re trying to kick is predicting the future like it’s your day job), but what’s on the other side is probably a big part of what you need to unlock a you that can do even more ‘impossible things’.

Whether it’s vaping, being a slave to social media, coffee controlling your life or sugar’s chokehold on you, here are 5 ways to leave that habit in 2023:

1. Make Sure You Have a Road Map

The party that is the other side of what you’re trying to kick does require some effort beyond just stopping and hoping for the best. Like any journey that you don’t want to be difficult, you need a roadmap.

A little research and a bit of time can go a long way when it comes to parting ways with a bad decision that’s gone on too long. As such, your roadmap should have all the landmarks present:

• What to expect for certain milestones (ie: withdrawals or cravings)
• When to reward yourself
• When you might need extra support
• When you need to dig deeper for motivation

2. Expectations are Everything

Having an idea of where you’re going is one thing. Making sure you know what to expect along the way is another.

When it comes to expectations, it’s your responsibility to manage them. This means not being delulu (delusional) and thinking all it’ll take to quit vaping is one day. Or thinking you won’t be impacted by triggers.

Managing your expectations will help you make peace with the hard parts so that when you get there, you at least won’t have to deal with any stressful surprises from your body or mind.

3. Let Your Loved Ones Know Your Habit No Longer Lives Here

You need to tell the people you care about (and chat with frequently) what your grand plan is. Firstly, it holds you accountable to people you respect. Secondly, they can only support you if they know where you need support. Last, but very much not least, they need to know why your mood is going to change and why you might not be the best person to be around (especially for the nicotine fiends).

4. Find a Replacement Fix

It’s going to be very tempting to go cold turkey. But the reality is, as much as it takes time to form a habit, it also takes time to release it. Having a replacement ‘fix’ is not essential, but it goes a long way.

For some, this could mean switching to non-caffeinated beverages in the morning at the exact time they’d have their daily ‘cuppa. For others, it might mean looking to healthy sugars (found in fruits and veggies) instead of giving in to candy cravings.

It’s not going to be the same, and you’re probably going to feel disappointed every time you don’t get the dopamine kick or sugar high you’re used to. But, after enough time, you won’t even remember what your ex habit felt like.

5. Be Kind to Yourself, But Not Enabling

Being kind and loving yourself is why you’re quitting in the first place! So, in the challenging moments, you need to remember that what you’re doing is not a punishment, but an act of deep, self-love.

Enabling yourself looks like giving into a quick fix. Being kind to yourself is sticking out the long run because you know there’s a big party on the other side and there are a pair of liberated dancing shoes with your name on them.

Sources: GTG

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Five Ways to Beat a Habit You Need to Leave in 2023! appeared first on Good Things Guy.