MARINA DEL REY, Calif., Sept. 6, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shawn Anderson knows a few secrets about getting up after life punches you in the gut. Anderson, a best-selling author, motivational speaker and success coach, has interviewed hundreds of people who have felt life's sting and yet demonstrated a remarkable ability to overcome personal setback and accomplish something extraordinary.
"I've interviewed hundreds of people who have experienced walking life's hot coals and have come across to the other side more purposeful," Anderson says. "Some have been fired. Others experienced serious health challenges or relationship heartbreaks. Still others had tragedy strike. Thankfully, the people who went the extra mile and succeeded – despite events – left footprints for us to follow."
A few of the people Anderson has interviewed include a blind woman who climbed one of the world's tallest mountains, a woman whose high school son died suddenly and then she dedicated her life to promoting organ donation, a congenital amputee who runs triathlons, and a race-car-driving business executive who has fought through breast cancer twice.
Anderson discovered that not only did each of these people overcome their individual hurdles, afterwards they each found greater purpose in life. Here are seven qualities that these people share:
1. They don't quit on life. "It's easy to quit, but extra-mile people keep going. Tragedy may have happened, mistakes might have been made, but the events of today don't have to define our potential for tomorrow," Anderson shares.
2. They live day-by-day. "Getting overwhelmed by the 'What am I going to do now?' feeling is common. But people who get through loss focus on taking small healing steps," Anderson says.
3. They find support. "Flying solo is not the answer when life knocks us down," Anderson states. "When tragedy strikes, people who survive surround themselves with people who believe in them. Forge relationships with people who trigger positive energy to flow back into your life."
4. They get involved again. "It's easy to want to stay in a cave after something bad happens, but healing always occurs more quickly when we get out there again by scheduling time with people or joining a new group," Anderson shares.
5. They remain optimistic. "People who overcome loss stay positive and don't surrender to self-defeating emotions." Anderson states. "Optimism is a powerful healer in getting through tough times."
6. They look for a higher purpose in their loss. "Survivors believe there is a fundamental interconnectedness in all that is around them," Anderson says. "Faith in a higher power…and yourself…works miracles in overcoming bad events."
7. They seek to add value to the world. "People who have weathered a storm recognize the opportunity to re-evaluate their own contribution to the world. They use their 'moment' as an igniting spark to do something meaningful," Anderson shares.
"No one is immune from experiencing tragedy. It is inevitable that life will throw a hurdle into each of our lives," Anderson says. "From there, we have a choice whether or not to live…or just pretend to live."
With a life mission of "empowering 1 million people to live a more passionate and purposeful existence," Anderson is the Founder of Extra Mile America. This year 300+ mayors will proclaim November 1 Extra Mile Day...a day to recognize and celebrate the capacity we each have to create positive change in our families, organizations and communities when we go the extra mile.
"We all need a small nudge to remind us that the quality of our lives…no matter what we may have experienced…is still determined by our own efforts. Happiness and victory start with the person in the mirror," Anderson says.
For more information, visit ShawnAnderson.com or contact Shawn at Shawn@ShawnAnderson.com. For more information about Extra Mile Day, visit www.ExtraMileAmerica.org.
Shawn Anderson is a best-selling author, national speaker and motivational corporate trainer. His "go the extra mile" philosophy and ability to produce winning results have been praised by national political leaders, Olympic Gold Medal and world record holders, and media outlets across the country.
In addition to being a six-time author, Shawn is the Founder of Extra Mile America, a non-profit organization empowering people. Through the Foundation, Shawn will lead the charge in encouraging 300 U.S. mayors in all 50 states to declare November 1, 2012, as Extra Mile Day...a day to acknowledge the capacity we each have to create positive change in our families, organizations and communities when we go the extra mile.
With a mission of "empowering 1,000,000 people to lead a more passionate and purposeful existence," Shawn could be the perfect speaking or training voice for your next event.
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