I created the Mental Health Warrior Program based on my 20-year struggle with Bipolar Disorder, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorder, and PTSD from my time as an EMT with the local rescue squad. Through this journey, I developed the Mental Health Warrior Mindset Rules—powerful warrior weapons designed to help us navigate life’s challenges. These rules remind us of essential truths that often get lost in the chaos of the day. They help us stay grounded, emotionally recenter ourselves, and take charge of our mental health. In fact, the Mindset Rules have been so important in my journey that I wrote an entire book about them: 53 Mindset Rules of a Mental Health Warrior.
One of the most impactful rules is Mindset Rule 8: "Judge Your Success by Your Plan, Not Others." This rule is a beacon of self-empowerment, encouraging us to focus on our own journey rather than comparing ourselves to others. Here’s how this mindset plays an important role in my warrior journey—and how it can help you triumph over mental health challenges. I’ll also share three practical examples of how to apply it in your life.
Why Mindset Rule 8 Matters
In my journey as a Mental Health Warrior, I’ve learned that success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. Each person’s mental health challenges are unique, and the path to overcoming them is deeply personal. Mindset Rule 8 has been a guiding force, reminding me that my progress is determined by my plan, not by how others are doing. It allows me to avoid the discouraging trap of comparison and helps me stay focused on my individual journey.
And the same is true for you. Mindset Rule 8 plays an important role in your warrior journey by keeping you focused on your unique path. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other challenges, this rule reminds you to evaluate your progress based on your own goals—not someone else’s.
Here’s why this mindset is essential:
Individual Progress: Your journey is yours alone. What works for others may not work for you, and that’s okay. Your progress, no matter how small, is valuable.
Avoiding Comparison Traps: Comparing yourself to others can lead to frustration and feelings of inadequacy. By staying focused on your own path, you avoid these emotional setbacks and stay true to your growth.
Building Resilience: When you set and achieve personal goals, you build resilience. The confidence that comes from overcoming challenges on your terms is essential for long-term mental health success.
Example 1: Personalized Goal Setting
Scenario:
You’ve been struggling with anxiety and find yourself avoiding social situations. Meanwhile, your friends on social media seem to be attending parties and events without a care in the world. It’s easy to feel left behind.
Application of Mindset Rule 8:
Instead of comparing yourself to your friends, set a personal goal that aligns with your current capabilities. Your goal could be as simple as attending a small gathering or joining a virtual meetup.
Steps to Success:
Set a Realistic Goal: Choose something that feels manageable, like having coffee with a close friend in a quiet setting.
Plan and Prepare: Think about what would make you feel more comfortable, such as having an exit plan if things become overwhelming.
Celebrate Your Success: After you attend the event, take time to celebrate your achievement. Remember, this is about your progress—not how it compares to others.
By judging your success based on your plan, you’ll avoid the discouragement that comes from comparison and focus on your personal growth.
Example 2: Tailored Self-Care Routines
Scenario:
Depression has made it difficult for you to even get out of bed some days, while others seem to be running marathons or climbing mountains.
Application of Mindset Rule 8:
Create a self-care routine that suits your current state and gradually builds toward improvement. Maybe your plan begins with simply getting out of bed and taking a shower.
Steps to Success:
Set Simple, Achievable Goals: On particularly tough days, your goal could be as small as getting out of bed and taking a short walk outside.
Gradually Increase Complexity: As you begin achieving small goals, slowly add more to your routine, like cooking a meal or completing a short workout.
Track and Celebrate Progress: Keep a journal of your accomplishments, even if they seem small. These small steps are part of a much bigger journey toward long-term well-being.
By judging your success based on your personalized self-care plan, you reinforce positive behavior and build resilience for future challenges.
Example 3: Career and Personal Aspirations
Scenario:
You’re managing bipolar disorder and have career goals that seem overwhelming, especially when you compare yourself to peers who seem to be progressing faster.
Application of Mindset Rule 8:
Design a career plan that accommodates your mental health needs while allowing you to make steady progress toward your goals.
Steps to Success:
Set Realistic Milestones: Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. For example, if you’re working toward a degree, start by enrolling in one class.
Adapt to Your Needs: Recognize when your mental health requires you to slow down. Adjust your workload or take breaks as needed.
Celebrate Incremental Achievements: Every small victory—whether it’s completing a class or finishing a project—is a success. Take time to celebrate each step forward.
By measuring your success against your personalized plan, you can progress at your own pace and avoid the emotional drain of comparing yourself to others.
The Power of Personal Plans
Mindset Rule 8 isn’t just about achieving success; it’s about embracing your unique journey and valuing your progress. My mental health challenges—including bipolar, alcoholism, anxiety disorders, and PTSD—required a customized approach for me to triumph over them every day. Creating my personal plan and reminding myself to judge my success by that plan has been a lifeline. It keeps me from sinking into the no-win game of outward comparison. And you can do the same!
Start Using Mindset Rule 8 Today
You can begin applying Mindset Rule 8: 'Judge Your Success by Your Plan, Not Others' to start building a path to triumph over your mental health challenges. Focus on your unique journey, celebrate your progress, and build the resilience needed to face future obstacles.
Success isn’t measured by how fast you’re moving compared to others; it’s measured by the steady progress you make on your personal path. With Mindset Rule 8, you can blaze your own trail as a Mental Health Warrior!
Bruce Schutter
Creator of Mental Health Warrior Program and Challenge Coin
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